As I’ve started my weave sketch book I find it’s bringing up new ideas for describing themes or issues that we are living through. In NSW and Queensland there is currently a very severe drought. You can see the current state in NSW here from NSW Dept Primary Industries.

We recently did a trip out to Walcha and Armidale then down the Waterfall Way by Dorrigo and up through Tyringham and Dundurrabin. Only Ebor Waterfall was running as it is supplied by springs, but all others had stopped. Bushfires were also in the Guy Fawkes National park to add to it all.

Here below is a picture outside of Armidale which depicts the parched earth to exposed topsoil. It magnifies the need for water for survival and just how little there is to go around.

Although the land is under extreme stress without water the endless blue, rainless skies stretch for kilometres almost taunting us as it is the brilliant colour of water.

I started with a warp of garden twine (rough jute) thick hand-dyed paper, dyed and a natural linen. Then wound the warp quickly on the Kenzo warping and beaming system. Such a streamlined and quick system for getting a thought onto the loom.

Although the topic of the drought isn’t a happy one, it has helped me to process what is happening and be more alert to organisations helping all affected by this dramatic and serious event. If I don’t know what to do I do what I know.

Rural Aid is helping communities affected by the drought.