In 2005, Sydney artist and writer David Watson embarked upon a two-year walking pilgrimage across Sydney; from his family home in urban Rozelle to his childhood home in suburban Dundas.
Walking west from the city via Victoria Rd, David uncovered a suburbia laced with three generations of family, and many centuries of history.
Six years later he swam home down Sydney’s ‘original highway’, the Parramatta River.
At a time of unbridled ‘progress’ and global connectivity, David’s purposefully slow, local journey delivered a fullness of place. On foot and by water ‘home’ became embroidered with forgotten histories and creative spirits.
David, swimming home.(George Evatt)
'Canoe'(David Watson)
'Lost' - Coachman [Eastern Whipbird](David Watson) David will speak about Wild Ryde|swimming home at the State Library of NSW from 1100 on Tuesday 2 April 2013. The talk is free, but bookings are essential. Phone (02) 9273 1770 Email bookings@sl.nsw.gov.au
Imagery from Wild Ryde|swimming home will be exhibited at David's home studio (Salon Callan, 44 Callan Street, Rozelle) from 1000 - 1600 on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March 2013, as part of the annual Leichhardt Open Studio Trail (LOST). Further info: David Watson/Denise Corrigan Phone (02) 9810 1402 Email bombora@bigpond.net.au
