The Pushmi-Pullyu Panels

‘Through deepening our attunement for our embodied integration in a living world we may relearn and restore a capacity to dwell more thoughtfully with newfound sensitivity, respect and restraint in the ecosystems on which we wholly depend.’(1)

Linda Gilbert, Pullyu, 2021

Linda Gilbert, Pushmi, 2021.

These paintings contemplate subtle connections that humans have with the Earth, mediated through unseen and opposing magnetic and diamagnetic energy fields.

Until recently my work has been an intuitive response to places that elicit a phenomenological feeling. I have experienced curious attractions to particular landscapes and felt the pull of unseen energy maps on my psyche.

Scientific evidence now confirms that humans possess magneto-reception. We can unconsciously detect changes in earth-strength magnetic fields. This idea underpins my research.

The Earth’s outer molten core is fluid. Composed of liquid iron and nickel it generates magnetic energy fields that move as the planet cools. These energy fields impact the land in varying degrees and can be mapped. They also stretch far out into space, giving Earth it’s protective magnetosphere.

‘Pushmi’ is inspired by the Kaipara District in a landscape surrounded by limestone caves and quarries. Limestone is diamagnetic so it does not interact with magnetic fields within the Earth at all. In some areas it makes a weak negative field in response.

‘Pullyu’ explores the notion of magnetic energy maps within the land that surrounds the limestone caves and quarries.

Both works are made from acrylic paint, crushed stone and oil pastel. They are painted on large, gessoed canvas ground sheets. These found materials suggest the idea of camping and being close to the Earth.

Making these panels involved a long process that included washing and distressing the canvas outdoors for a couple of weeks during Spring. I wanted to soften the canvas. Then I decided to rejig my lounge and turn it into the most fabulous studio.

Pullyu

Pushmi

(1). Quote from Howard, Patrick. “Language-Ing the Earth: Experiential Renewal for a Relationally Sensitive Environmentalism.” Phenomenology & Practice 16, no. 1 (2021): 40–56. https://doi.org/10.29173/pandpr29500.