MEMENTO MORI

 Memento Mori reflects on the precariousness and value of life, acting as a reminder of our humanity and mortality.  When COVID-19 hit Australia with force in 2020 I was visiting family in Brisbane. Suddenly state borders were closed and I was unable to fly back to my home in Sydney. Many families found themselves working from home and spending long periods alone and/or separated from loved ones. For many it was a time of deep anxiety and uncertainty. It was also an opportunity for people to take stock and reflect on the things that really matter. So often our lives are so busy with getting to and from work or places we leave ourselves little time to create, to play and have fun with others. With so much time at home some people took to bread making and others like myself took the opportunity to paint.  Problem was the only materials I had available in the early weeks were cardboard boxes, children’s paints, magazines etc. The ‘Child’s Play’ works were created with these simple materials and the canvases stripped from the sides of cardboard boxes. I spent many happy hours pottering away with my grand-daughter as we set up our studio space under the house and played with paint together.