For as long as I can remember, washing lines have been an obsession of mine. When I hang up the washing, the pegs have to match. Not just on each item of clothing, but on the whole row. To me, washing lines full of washing are objects of beauty.
 In case you are wondering why the pegs don't match here, it is because it is not my washing! © Ulrike Sturm. All rights reserved. |
My book 'Washing Line' (1996, letterpress and etchings on velin arches; hand stitched with small wooden pegs on binding) was acquired for the Australian National University Collection. In 1997, my etching 'Socks on the Line' was awarded as 'Highly Commended' at the Hunters Hill Art Prize.
 Socks on the line. © Ulrike Sturm. All rights reserved. |
At the moment, I am living in a modern block of apartments where hanging out washing is an 'offence'. Residents are instructed that they must use dryers to dry their washing. This is nothing less than environmental vandalism, if you ask me. If you 'insist' (as they put it) upon hanging your washing, then you may use a clothes rack, but it must not be on the balcony nor is it allowed to be visible from any other apartment! I'll have to move somewhere else soon, but in the meantime, I am collecting all the letters I have received from the Body Corporate about my 'clothes hanging infringements' for use in a future artwork.
 Washing line in Thompson Street. © Ulrike Sturm. All rights reserved. |
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 Radiant. © Ulrike Sturm. All rights reserved. |
 Washing basket. © Ulrike Sturm. All rights reserved. |