Tarni Eastwood is a Ngiyampaa and Guringai artist and curator based in western Sydney. She has a multidisciplinary arts practice working in photography, video, painting, weaving, sculpture and installation. This Spring, Tarni joins us at The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre to present a brand-new 6-week program, Weaving a Connection to Culture.
We sat down with Tarni to chat about her creative practice, the importance of weaving in First Nations culture and her exciting new weaving program with Blacktown Arts.
Firstly, tell us a bit about yourself and your practice.
My name is Tarni Eastwood, I am a proud Ngiyampaa and Guringai multidisciplinary artist, educator, and owner of Nula Weaving. Born and raised here on Dharug Land, I’ve always been surrounded by influential artists and supported by strong matriarchs who’ve each instilled in me a deep love for art and respect for culture. My art in all its forms connects to my cultural identity, community, and surroundings.
What inspires you as an artist?
My culture, community, and surroundings each inform and inspire me to develop my work. Lately, I’ve been more focused on the process of making and allowing myself to slow down and be inspired by what I see and feel.
What do you enjoy most about weaving?
I love the way weaving brings people together and connects to cultural knowledge that has survived tens of thousands of years. I feel proud when I weave and grateful to have opportunities such as this to pass down and maintain that cultural knowledge for past generations and future ones.
What do you hope participants will get out of Weaving a Connection to Culture?
It’s all about expressing creativity and sharing skills and stories. I hope participants leave with baskets full of stories and bracelets stitched with memories twined. But most importantly, a stronger connection to country, culture, and one another.
Weaving a Connection to Culture
Thursdays, 12 October to 16 November
10.30 am to 12.30 pm
The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre
Attendees must book for the program in full.
All ages and all abilities welcome. Parents and carers, feel free to bring your little ones along.
Materials provided.
Image: Home West Festival 2022, by Liza Moscatelli, Mosca Media Australia