I Am What I Am

Samuel Bourke

Year: 11

School: Hampton Senior High School

Medium: Digital prints and acrylic paint on MDF with found objects

Artist statement: Inspired by the fragile relationship that exists between humans and the land this work celebrates the beauty of the Australian landscape while drawing attention to the importance we have to be caretakers and protectors of our environment. The work explores the notion that we are the land and the land is us – we are connected to country. It is not a commodity to gain value from, it is far richer than that and so rather than ignore the instability of our ecologies we must take responsibility for the impact ‘progress’ has made and work together to ensure our earth is protected.