The diversity of Banksia leaves may surprise some, as often they are less spectacular than their flowers eg B. menziesii. Attention is paid to the rare and threatened species in this exhibition work, eg B. brownii and B. verticillata through to the more commonly grown varieties B. integrifolia, B. ericifolia and B. marginata. Small and quiet leaves and large and exaggerated leaf forms are part of the story and delight embellished on the ceramic forms.

 Banksias have been a constant in my life. My early childhood was spent in WA with many varieties of Banksia around me. In later childhood I lived in Sydney by the bush and have memories of sitting on rock shelves stained by Banksia leaves. I now live in Canberra and grow Banksias in the garden outside my studio. The Banksia Garden at ANBG, my home garden and field trips are integral to my research.

Embellished ceramic forms related to themes and memories of Banksias include urns , vases to display plant specimens, and plates that explore diversity.

Through this plant specific focus the work questions our relationship to Australian plants and recognises their long history, the environmental and cultural value of Banksia and the need to protect the diversity of species.

Some surfaces of the forms are carved deeply with leaves and others display shallow relief surfaces that gently describe the leaves. The vessels are partly glazed and non glazed and made from white and black stoneware, porcelain and mid-fired clay bodies.

DEMONSTRATION The artist will be carving a work in progress in the Gallery at various times throughout the exhibition period.

Dhulwa is the Ngunawal/Ngunnawal word meaning honeysuckle, referring to a flowering Banksia plant.