Mapping Memory: Lorne Point Theolithic

This work is a record and memory of a site-specific encounter between the artist and the timeless presence of Lorne Point. In this meeting however, Simon claims that the Point is the primary sculptor - directly addressing the notion of the artists role.

During his work on the Point, Simon invited several locals to participate on some of the pieces including Richard Collopy Gadubanud Custodian / Traditional Owner and Philomena Manifold - a local geologist, author and artist. When handed an oil stick from that moment on, their felt sense of place have woven together through conversation and practice. Philomena’s geological knowledge provided insight and depth to the process and Richard’s indigeneous lineage provided an ancestral stream to tap into - each of them making marks and contributing in their own way. Each mark is made from a personal, felt choice that reaches into the timeless and touches Gondwana. The work is immersive, non-figurative, anamorphic and enigmatic, as is memory itself.

Simon cites a recent memory of journey to Europe, a mile deep into the caves of a mountain where he saw cave drawings of early Europeans. This experience was the closest he has ever felt to engaging with his own ancestry, feeling it, seeing it but not knowing any specifics - a potent mix of evidence and mystery. The work on the Point was about feeling that connection with place.

“This was achieved by laying the canvas directly on the rock like a veil, feeling the ancient forms with my hands and drawing out the underlying stories by way of an oil stick.”

Through making contact with form, the geological memory and imprints of deep time are felt and drawn. A lifting up occurs in which the geological moments come into focus, their form outlined, their dynamic presence made tangible. Simon insists that “the Point is the sculptor” in this situation and that we are all just participants, however there is no doubt that the connection between mind, heart and hand are absolutely essential in bringing these works to life.