Smells like Rain

The promise of renewal and transformation

by Claire Beausein

Exhibition of works

17th May — 28th Jul 2024, 2024 - Bennett Gallery, Benalla Art Gallery

The term “Petrichor” was coined in 1964 by Australian scientists to describe the distinctive smell of impending rain. It is derived from two Ancient Greek words: “petros,” meaning “stone” and “ichor,” which in Greek mythology referred to the fluid or blood that flowed in the veins of the immortals. The choice of this word emphasizes the connection between the earth and rain, which is fundamental to the release of the earthy scent produced when rain falls on dry soil. It has positive connotations and is often associated with childhood memories of natural environments.

Petrichor

2024 Magnifying glasses, fragments of metal, silver wire and bronze rod on museum board -
85x152cm [89x156cm framed]

Growing up in the Warby Ranges close to nature has infused me with a close connection to the landscape leaving an indelible mark on my artistic sensibilities. The subdued palette and intricate subtleties in my work originate from my profound connection to home. Returning to my family farm at Mt. Bruno has brought back to mind early memories and associated emotions. Deepening my appreciation of the beauty of nature and the nature of change, it has become a catalyst for personal reflection, anchoring my evolution in relation to this place.

As a child I found wonder in the natural world; creatures like the Bardi moth (rain moth) fascinated me. The large moths came fluttering to the porch light on warm evenings before rain. The next morning, I would search beneath the red gums along the creek for discarded chrysalis shells, shiny and garnet coloured, the metamorphosis of the ground dwelling grub to the soft fluttering moth was enchanting, and always associated with rain.

Wild Silk Cocoons & Graphite

Elixir

2023 Wild Silk Cocoons, Graphite and Thread on Washi Paper - 92x92cm [118x117cm framed]

Referencing these experiences of transformation and renewal I have incorporated wild silk moth cocoons as a medium in my work, assembled with delicate precision, this unique medium evokes the fluidity of water or containment in a vessel. Combining these forms and textures with other media; graphite, indigo dye, thread and Suminagashi (floating ink), I have created intricate assemblages that speak of the mysteries of nature and change, using water as a metaphor for transformation.

Suminagashi, Silver Wire & Thread

Resonance I

2023 Suminagashi, silver wire and thread on washi paper - 72x70cm [96x95cm framed]

Suminagashi & Indigo dye

Suminagashi and indigo dye, reliant on water in their creative processes, produce marks that echo the ripple of water, elemental patterns in stone, or the contours of hills. They remind me of the streams in the hills, water over rocks and combined with thread symbolize journeys or connections. I look at patterns and shapes in nature that remind me of the beautiful Japanese calligraphy that I became familiar with in Japan, to me they are all like mysterious poems awaiting interpretation. This concept finds expression in my work, where Japanese characters are drawn in graphite resembling organic narratives of growth and transformation. This fusion of elements symbolises themes of transformation, renewal, metamorphosis and being imbedded in a world of change.

Water Over Rocks

2024 Indigo dye on washi paper - 92x90cm [118x117cm framed]