Rewilding

We’re now onto the second section of issue five; Rewilding! Rewilding was a difficult topic to define, but it’s also the one I’m most excited to talk about.

Before we discuss my thoughts, I’ll share with you the introductory artwork meant to be, made by the cover artist Jennyfer Marie:

Rewilding, by definition, is a form of ecological restoration, returning to its wild state without human interference and embracing the new introduced species alongside it. It aims to improve upon or restore biodiversity. Even though this word is associated with nature and plants and wildlife, I felt like it resonated so deeply with the purpose of issue five (I also kinda wanted to keep up a flow of ‘re’ words; restoring, rewilding).

This section is heavily based around challenging our own perceptions of what art is, what it can be and the stance it has on today’s societal issues. It’s also an opposition to the rest of Dwelling, which is bright and colourful and whimsical, this section showcases artists and written texts that I wouldn’t normally choose for the aesthetic of my magazine, and I think that comes from an inherent trait of wanting to include everyone, even if it doesn’t fit my ‘aesthetic’.

Existentialism, through a creative lens

I asked Annabel, a good friend of mine to make a “podcast” style introduction to this topic. We tend to have a lot of great (and civil) arguments about various topics, usually spanning hours, and I thought she would be perfect to discuss this topic that I didn’t yet understand myself.

I set up my phone’s recording app, and a set of questions and subjects I wanted to discuss with her, paired with some herbal tea and bakery goodies. Her idea of Rewilding in the art sphere is about performing mundane tasks and under-consuming products, especially in the textiles industry, which I think comes back to that original definition of letting nature run its course without human interference, or humans trying too hard. She introduces us to the thought that it’s not so much about being ‘wild’ but being completely natural.

Gerberas and Cashews

Our conversations go off-topic quite easily, leading its way down various avenues, but still rooted in the topic of discussion. We used this opportunity to flesh out what we really think this topic means, but I think it’s always changing and I think even now I perceive this topic in a new way. I love having these conversations with Annabel, and I’d love to do it again in the future for an upcoming blog post.

This was recorded on the same day as this artwork I made for a blank page in the Restoring section.

Rewilding has lots more to offer, exploring different challenging topics such as feminist movements in the textile industry, collages, dreaming, and vampire queens!

Exciting news!

Gateway Gallery reached out to me a few months back, and they asked me to give a talk to the gallery members about the magazine and the Creator’s Catch Up. We’ve finally confirmed a date and it will be at the opening event of their Little Treasures exhibition (which is where I’ll be exhibiting my art for the first time!!!), Friday 20th December, 6pm. Shop 7, Gateway Village, Wodonga.

I hope to see you there!

I am keeping this week’s blog post brief because I have lots of work to do for my upcoming talk!

Thanks for being here 💛
Danielle J. France
artist, writer, editor