For more than a decade, Northern Rivers  based artists Claudie Frock and Rene Bolten have developed solo and collaborative practices together, that explore drawing as a daily, expanded and situated process. 

Their collaborative exchanges are shared with each other, the materials they use and the places they inhabit. Their expanded drawing practices employ movement, rhythmic and durational mark making, and the use of traditional and handmade materials. Through these exchanges they have cultivated a unique shared visual language, continually drawing themselves into existence.

Working with both conventional art materials and handmade inks and charcoals, created by Frock from foraged, grown, and gifted botanical materials; the artists' recent works have been made across Bundjalung and Biripi lands, as well as in Ireland and the Netherlands.

Drawing as a daily practice is an especially important aspect of Bolten’s creative process and supportive of his cognitive health. Both the artists find drawing a therapeutic as well as creative process, that supports their mental health and wellbeing, especially after their experiences of Lismore’s 2022 Floods and since Bolten’s diagnosis of Alzheimers.

‘We are drawings’ brings together solo and collaborative works created over recent years, including drawings made during their Watershed Studio Residency in Galway, Ireland, and a visit to Bolten’s homeland, the Netherlands. The exhibition also features works produced in their Northern Rivers studios and during residencies at Lismore Community Garden, and The Outer Magnolia Studio in Birdwood, Wauchope, on Biripi Country. As part of the exhibition the artist will also create a live durational collaborative work in the gallery.