Nicola Moss Artist Statement My art practice observes and interprets the ecology of landscapes. I am interested in the role people play in shaping environment - through influences of culture, conservation and development. Research develops through numerous site visits and engagement with community groups. These direct experiences engage all of my senses, providing visceral references along with the personal, social and heritage stories of connected history and ecology. Curated ecology – Nature Strip reflects on the habitat of many city and town suburban environments. A place where, town planning, heritage and personal aesthetic; mixes with maintenance regimes and safety concerns. This confluence of values interests me in the effect it has on our relationship with environment. This work developed in response to a residency at Grafton in 2014, featuring several of the streets flora and fauna. Exploring the nature strips revealed practical attributes of shade, along with interesting reflections on identity and biodiversity. A sense of re-evaluating the value of these habitats is echoed in recent thoughts from David Attenborough - “Where in 1945 it was thought that the way to solve the problem was to create wildlife parks and nature reserves, that is no longer an option. They are not enough now. The whole countryside should be available for wildlife. The suburban garden, roadside verges ... all must be used”.1 1. John Vidal, The Guardian, 3rd September, 2014, Reserves and parks not enough to protect nature – David Attenborough.
Species featured include – Eucalypt (gumnuts), Fire Wheel tree (flower), Flame tree (Leaf and flower), Cook Pine (branches), Poinciana (leaves), Cape Chestnut (flower), dandelion (leaf), skink.