Kristin Den Exter
Wanderlust 2021
Advanced Diploma of Creative Product Development
Advanced Diploma of Creative Product Development
Kristin den Exter – Foraging for Identity.
I am a first-generation Dutch-Australian/seventh generation settler-colonial artist/ecologist from Bundjalung Country (Lismore NSW). I moved to the Dandenong Ranges - Corhanwarrabul - lands of the Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung peoples of the Kulin Nations - on the edge of Australia’s second largest city, Melbourne – Naarm in January 2021.
Limited to a 5km radius during COVID lockdowns, I discovered that the place we know as “Victoria” has some of the most culturally and ecologically damaged landscapes in Australia. Immediately drawn to the bush, not knowing the indigenous ecology well, I began removing weeds. Connecting to this county through walking, foraging and weeding I found myself asking “Am I a weed?”
Creating a Wild Ink Lab and Herbarium from the weeds collected, my practice combines ecology, botany, drawing, printmaking, and installation to explore connection to country, and themes of de/colonisation.
Follow Kristin’s journey @WildInkLab