What Lies Beneath?

Gillian lives and works on Bullongen (Gold Coast) country. Her personal mental illness experienced between 2015 and 2018 provided the space, self-examination, and support that ultimately led her to surrender fully to her art practice. Gillian has been exhibiting and conducting workshops since 2021 and her work is held in galleries and private collections.

As a visual poet, Gillian is fascinated by the multidisciplinary interplay between words and images. She uses printmaking, sculptures, artist books, and painting to deepen communication and artistic expression. Gillian’s latest works explore the delicate and interdependent threads of connection in our relationships with each other and the environment. Here she posits the necessity of struggle; of sitting with discomfort to resolve conflict, heal wounds, and sustain both relationships and the Earth.

Follow Gillian on Instagram, Facebook and check out her website.

'What Lies Beneath?' explores more deeply what it means to connect in friendship. I enjoyed the strong visual contrast of black and white. Upon closer inspection, there is also handwritten poetry in Indian ink with a relief print over it. I used its reverse side with words and image almost indecipherable; symbolic of the parts we keep hidden, or often the unspoken and intangible aspects of why friendships work. The raised lines form shadows and guard this precious relationship.