Nicola Moss’ exhibition, ‘Life on the edge’ at Noosa Regional Gallery sets the tone for the region’s Floating Land Festival which celebrates the natural beauty of Noosa, the river foreshore and surrounds.
The show ponders the question, ‘What value does a healthy environment have for you?’ and Noosa’s Biosphere Reserve presents a unique ecology for the artist to work within. She sees the region as being dedicated to people and place where lifestyle balances environment, economy and social well-being. With this in mind Nicola Moss set out to explore the value of healthy environment to local communities and visitors to the region.
The dedication of volunteer bush carers; numerous energetic lifestyle activities and the forest symphony of birds resonate strongly with this artist. Her own experiences in the region, including walking in nature reserves, sitting beside creeks painting, quiet observation along National Park trails, hugging giant hoop pines, sailing across Lake Cootharaba and visiting tree farms have contributed to reflections on place in the featured artworks.
Over the year of creating work for ‘Life on the edge’, a theme developed highlighting relationships between trees and water, and how these contribute to healthy ecosystems. Clean waters are a key quality throughout the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, from hinterland creeks to Noosa Spit dog beaches it is evident.
‘Life on the edge’ presents the results of papers carried on site to be stained with tree bark rubbings, charcoal burnishing or adorned with tiny individual brush drops of watercolour. These are melded with numerous conversations and observations. She has also created in the studio with layering processes of cutting, interweaving and collaging of elements. The resulting artworks harbour countless stories of place, identity and human interaction.
Floating Land is a five-week arts festival of exhibitions, events and workshops in nature about nature, the highlight of which are the sculptures created in outdoor natural settings. Its aim is to leave no mark on the environment but only to make an impression on the people who visit.
Nicola’s show and the festival continue until 15 October.
Nicola will also be running workshops at the Gallery. For more information go to noosaregionalgallery.com.au/floatingland
Guest Reviewer
Amy Clarke
8th September - 15th October 2017
www.noosaregionalgallery.com.au