Swoop

“Swoop” establishes a symbolic reconnection with the concept of totems in Indigenous culture. The camphor laurel wood was acquired from a tree that was being felled in my neighbourhood. I wanted to repurpose the timber as an aesthetic sculpture to give it new life. The sculpture was hand carved and took over one year to complete. Encrypted in the swooping owl is our profound relationship with the mystery and beauty of nature. We can gain so much wisdom from the concept of connectedness that is integral to the First Nations people if we seek to protect the flora and fauna in our natural world. With its totem-like form, “Swoop” challenges our sense of obligation to our planet. Gap Park inspires a reminder of our interconnectedness with the natural world at a site that has enduring significance to the Gadigal people. The park offers a perfect space for the sculpture to create a sense of contemplation and solace that arises from our response to nature.