Week 20: 24 - 30 Sept 1787

I have had an epiphany

My rope is spectactularly masculine.

I had always intended it to show the voyage of the women of the first fleet.

But there is nothing feminine about this rope.

But that doesn't matter, it is actually better this way,

and it allows me to make better sense of everything.

The women wouldn't have come to Australia

if they weren't brought by the men.

The women were virtually invisible, their purpose would begin

once the fleet arrived in Australia

Week 19: Fleet time 17 - 23 Sept 1787

I put the texture/patterning on first

then added the shading

This rope pose is quite a tight knot - I found it hard to get the definition of front and back. My daughter commented that while I am getting good at shading the individual elements, the overall balance of grey scale is very similar. This brings up the thought of my reason for doing these drawings - 1 each week for 37 weeks - the time it took the first fleet to sail to Australia - or the gestation of a premature baby. The 'work' of being a woman and mother has no rules, there is no initial tuition. Our parents teach us the being a girl (hopefully they teach us how to be a confident girl). But being a woman and a mother is learnt on the job. Women form themselves into clusters or knots of friendship and shared experiences. we learn from those around us. My daughter is within one of my knots, so I will endeavour to apply her suggestions.
My actual rope twisting/twining has gone quite slowly over recent weeks as I struggled with my sore wrist, elbow, shoulder. I figured I may have died on the first fleet, as I wasn't able to continue and complete my task. Anyway, I have developed a slightly different technique, so am back to it. The rope is lengthening as the days at sea ebb and flow.
I am currently reading Tim Ingold 'Life of Lines' isbn 9780415576864, so very inspirational as I make and draw rope. And with receipt of a beautiful handbound book 'Writing + Drawing' Ed Ruth Hadlow and Marienelle Basson isbn 9780992524623, I intend to write as I draw and make. Maybe to share here? or not? I'll see.

Week 18: Fleet time 10 - 16 Sept 1787

Week 17: Fleet time 3 - 9 Sept 1787

Back at sea - Rio to Cape Town

Week 16: Fleet time 27 Aug - 2 Sept 1787

STILL in Rio

I have some research to do.
The other day I was on a Ferry out on the harbour on my way to Sydney Bienniale at Cockatoo Island. I saw that another ferry was the Borrowdale - the name of one of the first fleet ships. Further examination showed that Sydney Ferries has a whole class of Ferries called the 'First Fleet Class'. In all there are 9, built between 1984 and 1986.
No mention is made of there ever having been 2 more ferries. What happened to the other 2, and which are left out?
The 2 that aren't represented are the Lady Penrhyn and the Prince of Wales. Both of these were female transportation ships. Were they deemed not worthy? Because they carried women?
Shame on you Sydney Ferries.

Week 15: Fleet Time 20 - 26 Aug 1787

Still in Rio de Janeiro

Week 14: Fleet 13 - 19 Aug 1787

Everything was different in Rio