Catching a Deane’s bus branded you as coming from struggle town. Imagine catching the rattling bomb bus that travelled beyond struggle town. Living on the land made you a target for name-calling and the butt of jokes about outdoor dunnies and having no power. Labelled the freckle farmer, I grew up with a slight complex about freckles and farm life.

By the age of sixteen I was ungrateful for my surroundings: it was my parent’s choice to live out of town, not mine. What I saw back then as limitations on my freedom are now the exact things I embrace as my freedom. Since leaving Burra ten years ago I have lived in central locations close to shopping outlets and social activity. They say that with age comes wisdom.

Reminiscing about my childhood, I have found deep respect and appreciation for my parents’ choices. Growing up on the land grounded me. It saved me from the ever-changing commercial influences that seep into the minds of children today. I realise now that despite the name calling and the views of my city peers I had a wonderful childhood. I shared a close family unit that provided me with experiences city children would never have. In my hometown of Burra I knew my surrounding neighbours on a personal level. There was a strong sense of community amongst us all.

From misty mornings collecting firewood from the back of the ute to late summer afternoons swimming in the dam there was always some form of outdoor entertainment and a tribe of kids ready to explore. As a result, I have a strong connection with animals. I’ve seen them give birth and seen them slaughtered. I’ve cared for injured wildlife and won awards at pony club. I’ve endured cow manure fights and participated in battles of the insect world.

sticks and stones is a reflection of the way I saw myself as a child in the late 1980s and early 90s. It highlights some of the wonderfully natural experiences I had. On the land we were able to leave society and its many rules and restrictions behind. We were surrounded by the elements. Never having to lock our houses or worry about traffic, we could run naked under a running hose hung from a tree. We were carefree.

During the completion of this body of work I had the opportunity to discuss the subject matter with my cousin, one of the tribe. It clarified my intent and message when he was able to guess numerous scenes I had chosen to include. When I asked if I was that predictable he replied: ‘I was there too and I share the same fond memories. We had a lot of fun times’.