Sydney Harbour Bridge

La Perouse women artists have been working with and
earning an income from shellwork for generations.
Esme Timbery recalls families taking shell-collecting trips
to the local beaches throughout their Country, catching
the ferry to Kamay/Botany Bay and spending the day
harvesting shells. Strong family connections along the
south coast of New South Wales, including the sister
community of Wreck Bay, also provides another important
source of material. An immense knowledge of the
coastline, the seasons and environmental conditions is
required to harvest specific shells – knowledge that
has been passed on through this important tradition.

Esme Timbery learnt shellwork as a young girl from her
mother, grandmother and aunts by first sorting shells by
type, size and colour. A cardboard base is used to sculpt
the subjects, which is then covered with material before
being ‘shelled’ and in some cases topped with glitter –
a modern take on shell grit. The shell designs and patterns
are inherited and, in working with iconic forms like the
Sydney Harbour Bridge, Timbery and other La Perouse
artists re-craft Australia’s image and history, providing a
richer understanding of the Sydney landscape.