The Builder’s Wife | 2020

M-Arts Gallery, Murwillumbah

These 25 sculptural works, made from discarded building materials are part of a group show titled “No Home Like Place” held at M-Arts in Mullumbimby in March 2020, ironically right as Covid was taking it’s hold. They represent the 25 houses that I have moved into and out of since immigrating to Australia from South Africa in 2003 and marrying my builder husband.  All works have sold. This is a poem I wrote to accompany the work.

Buy. Build. Move. Sell.
Move. Rent. Buy. Build.
Sell. Pack. Move again.
Buy another block.

Pack. Move. Rent. Pack.
Box. Tape. Good-bye.
Leave one more place.
Girls, don’t cry.

Move Again.
All Settle In.
Brisbane Floods.
Begin Again.

Move Back Now.
Rebuild Our House.
Floor to Eaves.
Hearts Aggrieve.

Sell. Pack. Box. Move. 
Renovate. Interstate.
Is this mine?
Not this time.

Build. Sell. Move. Rent
Pack. Move. Sigh. Stay.
Make my home here?
Not today.

Another build.
Another move.
Removal van.
Don’t think I can. 

Tiring now. 
The end is nigh.
One more pack.
Exhale a sigh.