Juliet Fowler Smith
member of the Williams River Valley Artists’ Project
lives and works in Sydney
work in the exhibition:
So many stories 2016
drawing, photography, mixed media
dimensions variable
catalogue text:
So many stories
Layered and dense with meaning. Landscapes of memory
They said
We will dam(n) this valley
I said (at their “community consultation”). Did you poison the sausages also?
They said
We will bring you riches and employment. Sponsor your clubs (but keep out those trouble makers)
Name their behaviour. It’s called splitting. It wrecks relationships and communities.
Thank you John Kaye may he rest in peace
He said to me (at my lowest ebb) It’s not over till it’s over!
And yes WE WON
So many stories
So many loved places. Crisscrossing the countryside
And so we came to the landscape of coal mining and CSG exploration
Bev said to me with a smile. Saving the Williams River Valley was a textbook campaign.
She told me a story of bush dances at WOLLAR. They couldn’t all fit in the hall.
So half in, half out. “Alright you lot” they shouted” it’s the others turn now”!
She showed me the phone directory. All crossed out with a red pencil. One by one.
Take heart. Watch out for burnout. It’s not over till it’s over.
Dedicated to John Kaye 1955-2016
Juliet Fowler Smith
Sydney 2016
