Fiona Cable

Fiona Cable

Artist statement from a month residency in Rawene, Northland

Seeds of Hope

As weeks ramble along with the ebb and flow of the tide, each day brings a deepening respect and connection to whenua and the community. Removed from the hustle of city life, a sense of peace slowly descends. I experienced time differently, recognising why folk come to Hokianga and never leave. Here the spirit of the 60’s remains alive – hippie dreams and ideals. A belief in freedom and a sense of togetherness. People who have fought hard with placards and protests - believing in causes and instigating change for the benefit of the local environment and its inhabitants. A community that is all about its people, diverse as they may be. There is a connective thread – love of Hokianga and a desire to protect the essential spirit of this place.

Spring signals renewal with manuka flowering profusely and sparrows mating madly, balancing on the rusty spouting next door. I gaze out the dining room window, mesmerised by the expansive view where I watch the sunrise, and the sun set. My intentions for my art practice rely heavily on nature, and here there is plenty to observe and connect with. I stitch and stain textile samples while listening to podcasts on regenerative farming, seed saving, permaculture and soil health. I weave in the insights, along with shapes and patterns I notice on morning walks. The learning for me is embedded in each piece, with acknowledgment and connection to this place and my desire to make a difference to wider ecological regeneration. The slower pace matches the slowness of stitching. I can’t make art hurriedly; it requires gestation and reflection.