Ancient Prayer
- 2025
- 100cm w x 125cm h
- Betel Nut, Clay, Oxide, Tree Sap, Tea, Mahogany bark, Taramanu wood, Yay Mall wood and Ink
Created during a 2025 residency at Cap Karoso, the Sumba Series is embedded in Sumba’s sacred landscapes, ancestral rhythms, and the living wisdom of Marapu tradition. Travelling across the land and learning directly from Sumbanese artisans, I worked using materials gathered from the land, including mahogany bark, taramanu wood, yay mall, and a deep red pigment drawn from the betel chewing ceremony. In Sumba, the betel nut is more than a plant; it is a symbol of respect, connection, and life’s cycles. It is shared in gatherings, woven into ceremonies, and offered in rituals that honour the earth, ancestors, and community. Working with this pigment meant working with a living tradition, one that carries the pulse of renewal and the deep bonds between people and land. These works are built through slow, intuitive processes of dyeing, soaking, staining, and layering. The series reflects the unpredictability of natural materials and the rhythms of tradition, inviting quiet reflection on impermanence, patience, and connection.
Artwork Information
Each piece is created using natural materials, including plant dyes and earth-derived pigments. Works are made on raw cotton canvas using intuitive, process-led techniques such as soaking, staining, and pouring. These materials and methods result in subtle variations in tone and texture, giving each painting its own unique presence. All pieces are signed on the reverse and come with a certificate of authenticity.
Framing
All works are shipped unframed unless otherwise stated. This ensures safer and more cost-effective international delivery and allows you to choose framing that suits your space and style. However, if you would prefer the piece to arrive framed, this can be arranged on request. Please get in touch to discuss options and receive a custom quote.
Shipping
This artwork will be carefully packaged and shipped within 2-3 business days of receiving your order. Shipping rates vary depending on the size, weight, and destination of the artwork. We provide tracking information for all shipments, so you can track your artwork during transit. Please note that international shipments may be subject to customs fees, duties, and taxes. These charges are the responsibility of the recipient and are not included in our shipping charges.