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Writer & Academic
Prudence Gibson
Background
Dr Prudence Gibson is author of monographs The Plant Thieves (NewSouth Publishing 2023), The Plant Contract (Brill 2018) and The Pharmacy of Plants: Janet Laurence (NewSouth 2015) in addition to trade books, essays, news articles and peer-reviewed papers. Based at UNSW School of Art & Design on the lands of the Gadigal and Bidjigal peoples (Sydney), her research is in the areas plant humanities, environmental aesthetics and ecofeminism. Prudence’s latest edited book is Dark Botany (Open Humanities Press 2024). Prudence also engages in art and curatorial practice and is a member of the Dirt Witches team commissioned by City of Sydney to create the Barlow Street Banksia Forest.
What holds particular significance for you in/about Neilsen Park country and Bottle and Glass Point?
Seymour is particularly drawn to seaweed, a vital component in marine systems that provides food and habitat for diverse aquatic life. Seaweed aquaculture further positions itself as a potential aid in the climate crisis, holding uses as food, biofuels and fertilisers. It is important to recognise that First Nations have a deep and diverse traditional knowledge of Australian natural resources, including seaweed. Through Seymour’s research for the Rockpools project, she considers sustainable and ethical methods of ‘extracting’ seaweed as a material for artistic purposes.
How do you create spaces for contemporary leadership, learning and collaboration with other people and the environment?
My work and leadership evolves tentatively but with focus. When people come together to discuss and learn, an approach that relies on openness, honesty, respect and dedication is required. I try to uphold this in all my movements as artist, collaborator, student and teacher.
Website links
We live and work on Bidjigal, Birrabirragal and Gadigal Country. We honour the ongoing cultural and ecological relationships First Nations Australians hold with Country, waters and skies and acknowledge their continued custodianship.
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