Interview with Meg and Peter Nielsen

Interview with Meg and Peter Nielsen: 

Seeking the Symbiocene - Celebrating Earth and Art

Interviewer: Can you tell us about your backgrounds and what inspired your artistic journeys?

Meg: I’ve been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a family of nature lovers and artists provided endless inspiration. When I wasn’t exploring the countryside, I was trying to capture its beauty in my art.

Peter: My journey began with collecting and restoring unique items, particularly vehicles. Over time, my love for the natural world turned into a passion for photography. I wanted to capture the fleeting moments of beauty, like the changing shadows and reflections of the sun.

Interviewer: How do you feel living on Bundjalung land has influenced your work?

Peter: Living on Bundjalung land is a privilege. The Bundjalung people's deep connection to nature inspires us to care for the land. Being surrounded by such rich biodiversity has always shaped our art and activism.

Meg: Absolutely. The natural beauty here is our greatest pleasure, and it drives our desire to protect and celebrate the environment through our work.

Interviewer: Your first exhibition is a significant milestone. What can visitors expect to see?

Meg: Our exhibition features my paintings and drawings alongside Peter's photography and restored objects. It’s a celebration of our love for nature and an exploration of our journey together.

Peter: We aim to showcase not just the beauty of the natural world but also our commitment to activism. We hope to inspire others to engage with nature and understand its importance.

Interviewer: You’ve both been involved in environmental activism. Can you share how that started?

Meg: About ten years ago, the gas industry's plans for the Northern Rivers region brought us into activism. We joined forces with our community to protect the environment, culminating in “The Bentley Blockade,” which successfully halted gas exploration.

Peter: That experience opened our eyes to other pressing issues, like the large-scale logging of native forests. We felt compelled to raise awareness about the impact of these actions on biodiversity and climate.

Interviewer: How have you spread your message beyond your artwork?

Peter: We produced local community radio programs for nine years, sharing information and encouraging action on environmental issues. Programs like “Celebrating Earth & Art” on River FM allowed us to connect with others who share our passions.

Meg: Even after I faced health challenges, my commitment to art and activism remains strong. It’s all interconnected—art is a powerful tool for advocacy.

Interviewer: What does the concept of the “Symbiocene” mean to you?

Meg: The Symbiocene represents a future where humans live in harmony with nature. It’s about reintegrating ourselves emotionally and spiritually into natural systems and rejecting the destructive patterns of the Anthropocene. The concept of the Symbiocene envisions a future where humanity lives in harmonious coexistence with nature, moving away from the destructive patterns of the Anthropocene. Coined by philosopher Glenn Albrecht, the term represents a time when humans reintegrate emotionally, psychologically, and technologically into natural systems, fostering a deep respect for all forms of life. This transformative vision inspires artists and activists alike to advocate for a sustainable relationship with the environment.

Peter: It’s a vision we believe humanity must embrace if we’re to survive and thrive. Our art aims to reflect this vision and inspire others to take action.

Interviewer: What do you hope visitors take away from your exhibition?

Meg: We hope to convey the message that nature is our home and kin. It’s vital for everyone to appreciate and protect the interconnected ecosystems that support all life.