‘I hope people pause, take a breath, and feel the presence of something larger than themselves—the vastness of the night sky and the grounding energy of the earth.’: Natalie Childs
Artist Woman of the South, Natalie Childs.
Ahead of her artist talk at Tyger on Saturday 21 September, 1-3pm, Woman of the South (Natalie Childs) tells us about the inspirations and ideas behind the works in her stunning show at Tyger, The Night Sky. Register for the artist talk here.
Why did you focus on the night sky?
“For me, the night sky represents both mystery and clarity, a vast space that invites reflection and connection.”
“Growing up with a deep respect for country and the natural world, I’ve always been drawn to the sky, particularly at night when the stars are visible. It reminds me of the infinite wisdom of our ancestors and the interconnectedness of land, sea, and spirit.”
“Through this exhibition, I wanted to capture that feeling of reverence and awe, and invite others to experience the spiritual journey that unfolds when we pause to look up.”
What's the story of these works?
“The night sky, with its constellations and expansiveness, serves as both a guide and a mirror. I see it as a reminder of our place within the natural world and the wisdom that surrounds us, even when we don’t always recognise it.”
“Together, these works tell a story of balance, unity, and deep respect for the unseen forces that guide us.”
What locations are featured in the paintings?
“Two deeply significant locations: Yass, Ngunnawal Country, and The Shoalhaven, Yuin Country.”
“I love returning each year to Yass with its expansive skies and rolling hills, it's a place where I’ve felt a deep grounded throughout my stays at Nguurruu Gunderoo, and its natural beauty inspired many of the textures and forms in my work.”
“The Shoalhaven, Yuin Country, is home, with its coastal landscapes and vast night skies. These locations aren’t just physical settings; they carry a sacred energy that I’ve tried to capture in this collection.“
Where and how did you create the works?
“I created these works in my tiny house, surrounded by the natural beauty of Yuin Country, where I live and work. The process was very intuitive and immersive, often beginning with quiet moments spent outdoors—barefoot on the earth, feeling the energy of the land, and looking up at the night sky for inspiration. I wanted to ensure that the deep connection I feel to the environment was reflected in each piece.“
“Each work was a meditative process, allowing the land and sky to guide me in creation.”
How has your style evolved over the last couple of years?
“My style has evolved significantly over the past few years, and it’s been a journey of deepening my connection to both the land and my own creative expression.”
“I started with dot work, which was a way for me to explore the intricate patterns and stories embedded in the landscape. It allowed me to focus on detail and precision, honoring tradition and techniques passed down through generations.”
“As my work developed, I felt a shift—a calling to explore larger, more expansive themes, like the night sky. Moving into night sky landscapes has been a natural progression, one that allows me to express the same sense of connection to country but in a broader, more fluid way.”
“This new style gives me the freedom to convey the vastness of the cosmos and the sacred relationship between earth and sky. It feels like I’m still honoring my roots, but now with a more open and expressive approach that reflects both where I’ve come from and where I’m heading as an artist.”
What do these paintings mean to you?
“These paintings mean more to me than just artistic expression—they represent my connection to country, the wisdom of my ancestors, and the sacredness of the natural world.”
“But beyond that, they also reflect growing concerns for the changes that we’re seeing in the night sky. I feel a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility to start a conversation about the increasing number of satellites and objects, both active and inactive, orbiting Earth and impacting our ability to experience the stars.”
“Astronomers have raised rightful concerns about the future generations’ ability to see the night sky as it should be—clear and unpolluted by artificial interference.”
“It’s a conversation that needs to extend beyond the scientific community and into the public consciousness. We need to hold accountable figures like Elon Musk, whose actions are contributing to this shift.
“Through these paintings, I hope to inspire a deeper connection to the night sky and encourage people to reflect on how we can protect this sacred part of our world for future generations.”
What do you hope people feel from seeing them?
“I hope people feel a deep sense of connection and stillness when they experience these works. To pause, take a breath, and feel the presence of something larger than themselves—the vastness of the night sky and the grounding energy of the earth.”
“My hope is that viewers will be reminded of their own connection to the land, and the cosmos. I also want people to feel a sense of reverence and awe, much like the feeling you get when you stand under a star-filled sky. It's an invitation to reflect, to reconnect with nature, and to appreciate the sacredness that exists in our everyday surroundings.”
“Ultimately, I hope my art encourages a moment of stillness and contemplation, where people can feel both grounded and uplifted, as if they, too, are part of the same spiritual journey.”
