Romana Toson

River Time

The Cook’s River cycleway follows the Cook’s River. It is known as Goolay’yari in the Eora language. To cycle along part of the river foreshore became a regular lockdown ritual. The riverbanks are in recovery after years of degradation. As part of the recovery process the river corridor has been densely planted with beautiful, local native species.

As lockdown progressed the river and my travels along it, passed through time, weather, tides, seasons - Winter changed to Spring.  I found solace and inspiration in that ever- changing landscape. My work for this exhibition is inspired by some of the native plant species that grow in parkland and along the river foreshore. Much of my work explores different relationships between people and place - that wild or urban nature is essential to our wellbeing. My choice to make wearable works, enhances the personal nature of that experience.