Sue Hodge explains how art nature’s forces can cause trauma and may bend us, but not break us.
When the floods hit Canowindra in November 2022, it took everybody by surprise. A friend of mine had a cabin in her backyard that backs onto the Belabula River flood plain. The water flooded up to the windows of the cabin both inside and out and She lost photos, books and many precious items that recalled her life growing up in Germany.
As we opened the door, what we saw first was how much mud and silt coated everything and the thick glue-like sludge that used to be the carpet.
The first thing I saw was an art canvas lying in the mud. I quickly realised that this canvas was destined for the ever-growing council pick up pile on the nature strip.
Yet this canvas had a story to tell – a story of survival. Over the streaks of mud from the flood water I painted some reeds. The water reed is known to bend in the wind and rain but not break. It is a reminder of the resilience of communities like ours.
How strong are our country towns and our local people? Some have lost everything and yet say they will rebuild. Some came close to death yet say they would never leave. This painting reminds us that nature’s forces, disaster and trauma may bend us, but we will not break.
I’d like to say personally how inspiring many of the locals are who have come through this latest disaster with heads held high. As well as that the many, many helpers who have done the awesome, dirty and often thankless job of cleaning up.
By Sue Hodge