Going to see a Tree about a Saree

Artist's Statement - Inside the Space Assignment
Introduction to Art

I have chosen to create a piece which draws on the work of Christo and Jeanne-Claude in its use of textiles and Andy Goldsworthy in its use of natural resources as a framework. In addition, it is based on the work displayed on the Enchanted by India Tumblr depicting Indian saris embracing trees, henna designs painted on bark and other typical West Asian symbols communing with nature.

I call it 'Going to see a Tree about a Saree' to honour both a common Australian phrase and the Sri Lankan national dress - the saree.

My piece differs from them in that the relationship I have with the landscape is one of an Anglo-Saxon origin. The park where this installation was put up is a place of communion between people from Anglo-Australian heritage and Sri Lankan heritage, which is reflected in my family (I am Anglo-Australian, and my husband is Sinhala-speaking Sri Lankan).

I chose a tree which held the form of a female in its grace and curves, and tied a saree around it in the most basic of styles (it was easier arranging the saree on the tree than it was to tie one on me!). I ensured that it had the appropriate number of pleats in the skirt, and that it had at least three pleats over the 'shoulder'. This deciduous Anglo-European tree in a Sri Lankan saree shows my family's makeup as they both stand on Australian soil, and how this is reflected in the community around us which also uses this communal space.