Through the Swamp Diaries Project, I am exploring an aspect of the swamp communities of Darug and Gundungurra country in the Blue Mountains as being a geographically dispersed group of ecologically-endangered areas. In particular, I am looking at groundwater seepage through hanging swamps with their permeable sandstone and peat layers. The sponge-like role of the swamps, the presence of endemic species, the impact of urbanisation and runoff are all aspects I am considering as part of this study.

In my art and film work, I document social movements that are evolving in response to environmental concerns and the stories of those advocating for change. In this project, through still and moving image, I hope to trace interconnecting threads of environmental grief and action and to make a study of place that speaks to the desire and imperative to protect our life support systems on Earth.

I have a long interest in environmental protest, teaching, working with NGOs, community groups, painting, documentary photography and film. As a film maker, independent story telling is key to my work and an antidote to the monopoly of main stream media. Responding creatively to this ancient and endangered swamp community requires acknowledgment of climate catastrophe, lost bio-diversities, peoples, cultures and extinctions.

Then, creative work can come from a place of courage and awareness.