The Cleansing

‘The Cleansing’ is a work in honour of the traditional Indigenous fire-controllers and fire-keepers. Fire is used by Indigenous cultures around the world to cleanse, renew and regenerate, both spiritually and physically. Here in Australia, one of its uses is to burn out the leaf matter and undergrowth by creating low and slow “cool” flames; this helps re-generate forests and bushland, re-germinating seeds and helping to prevent major bushfires. This practice still exists today in certain areas but I believe more places would benefit from it to stop the devastatingly hot fires coming through in bushfire prone areas. ‘The Cleansing’ is a representation of the healing power of fire and its place within the larger environment and landscape. Every element of ‘The Cleansing’ has meaning and relevance, in particular the bronze rings. Bronze is a material that spiritually, psychologically and emotionally fortifies a sense of justice, friendship and love towards all beings. It also dissolves sorrow into relief and promotes the realisation of dreams. Integrating this material into the sculpture is intended as a healing element for those who were affected by the recent bushfires of the area.