Black Stump

Overnighting in Coolah, NSW—known as the home of the Black Stump—I discovered that "Black Stump" is an Australian expression referring to an imaginary marker in the landscape.

As we crossed the Liverpool Plains (see my previous blog post), an area that is part of the outback, we arrived in Coolah—a boundary between the remote, untouched wilderness and a more settled landscape. I love that I have experienced this journey firsthand.

‘Place’ has always been a central theme in my work. It has been many years since I began making art, accumulating experiences and stories along the way. From the very beginning, I have been captivated by the idea of place—where I find myself at any given moment, my sense of belonging in the world. This isn't unique to me; it’s a need many of us share. Some of us, particularly artists, seek ways to visually express this concept.

Memory has always played an important role in my work. The layers of memories we share are like wallpaper peeling from a wall, revealing glimpses of the generations who lived there before us. Together, these stories form a kind of palimpsest—a layered history of place and experience.

The origins of the expression "Black Stump" are closely tied to the local Aboriginal Gamilaraay people, who refer to the area as "the place where the fire went out and left a burnt stump."

Coolah itself carries a certain heaviness. It is dry and hot. In places, bins overflow with litter. At first glance, it is difficult to find hope—the fire has gone out, so to speak. But when you look more closely, nature endures. The land’s beauty still survives, rekindling a quiet sense of hope. This area is undeniably scenic, with waterfalls and lookouts offering breathtaking views over the surrounding plains.

The tall snow gums of Coolah will become part of my palimpsest, another layer in my journey through place and memory.