Janet Fieldhouse

Janet Fieldhouse is a Torres Strait Islander woman whose artwork merges traditional practices and cultural narratives. Her work explores themes like environmental sustainability, intergenerational knowledge, global identity, and the essence of Country. Using natural materials, she conveys personal stories and invites viewers on a journey to explore Torres Strait Islander heritage, emphasising themes of identity and cultural preservation. Her practice honours the strength and diversity of Australian Indigenous art.

'Sister Crossing' is a bronze sculpture created in partnership with Agency Projects, an Indigenous-led not-for-profit organisation. The Australian Embassy in Washington, D.C., commissioned the artwork to highlight the strong connection between Australia and the U.S. 'Sister Crossing' features a turtle motif and constellation markings, which are perforated to allow light to spill out, adding to its beauty. The sculpture was created to honour First Nations stories on the international stage and share their knowledge with a global audience, supporting a sense of identity, connection, and belonging.

The creation of 'Sister Crossing' was made possible through a collaboration between Janet Fieldhouse, Agency Projects, and UAP. Agency led the selection, curation, procurement, and delivery of five contemporary artworks across the embassy's internal and external spaces, including 'Sister Crossing.' UAP's Australia pattern-making team worked with Janet to sculpt the main body form and feathers, applying textures to the feathers and adding details such as the turtle motif and constellation markings to the body. UAP cast the pattern in bronze and welded it together. Patina was applied to add colour, and crystallised wax was used to seal the colour. The result is an incredible artwork that captures the essence of Torres Strait Islander heritage and showcases the strength and diversity of Australian Indigenous art on the global stage.