This piece was conceived in response to an artist callout at Annandale Creative Arts Centre, examining the connection between the land and its original custodians. The work critically engages with traditional depictions of Indigenous Australians as hunter-gatherers, referencing Bruce Pascoe’s 2014 book Dark Emu to encourage a reassessment of established historical narratives. The artwork features a contemporary patchwork quilt, drawing inspiration from colonial women’s craft traditions during a time when Indigenous communities were frequently characterised as hunter-gatherers. Utilizing fabric remnants, techniques such as machine stitching, appliqué and hand-stitched botanical illustrations, the quilt honours the original custodians’ extensive knowledge, stewardship, and sustainable practices. In addition, it acknowledges Indigenous women as innovative quilt makers who historically utilised materials like bone needles and kangaroo or possum hides.
