We recently spoke to the ATW's most recent Artist in Residence Tammy Gilson (Wadawurrung) about her practice, inspirations and time at the ATW

Who or what inspires you to create?

Living on Wadawurrung Country gives me the opportunity to immerse myself in the surrounding of the natural environment. I spend a lot of time on Country and am particularly inspired by not only my family but the tress, plants, birds, animals, colour, smell and sound. I and forever collecting materials at the right time from Country to include in my practice.

What does a day in the studio look like?

Currently my studio is transforming into a space that allows me to sit quietly and create. When designing I always sketch and make models to guide my final works. This way is efficient and saves the good materials for the final works. I have a large table in the middle of the studio that my dad made many years ago and as a child I remember sitting at it having my breakfast. The table is so special and now I am making a possum skin cloak on it for a commission. I also tend to make a lot outside as it feels right to connect to Country when making Cultural tools and adornments, especially if fire and water is required as part of the process.

What does your practice involve – what techniques do you use in your work?

My work is a product of Cultural practice and lived experience. I like to create works with the narrative that continues and show cases culture, using Wadawurrung language where appropriate. I use many materials including emu feathers, echidna quills, resins and bark with the most common technique of traditional weaving – blanket stich. In recent years I have adopted to more contemporary design and worked with different mediums including lost wax casting with silver. I had the pleasure of working with artisan Craig MacDonald from Garage Art Foundry who cast my design of a large eel trap in bronze for the Wadawurrung Precinct Park at Sovereign Hill.

How does your work in this residency relate to your practice and where it is heading?

The residency has empowered my spirit and encouraged me to expand on my ideas,’ to sit amongst weavers and the wonderful staff surrounded by colour is the best experience’! Whilst at ATW I had the most amazing opportunity to work with Heather in the dye lab to dye my materials from plants that I work with on Country. These materials are being used in my piece for the residency exhibition. I have a bigger love for natural colour and will incorporate more into my practice moving forward. I would like to pursue an artist in residency overseas where knowledge sharing is reciprocal and follow my dreams of meeting talented weavers and makers from around the world.

Nyatne - thank you to ATW