Penny
Carey Wells has worked as a paper and book artist in Tasmania
since the early 80s and taught at the School of Art, University
of Tasmania, from 1985-1997. She is currently employed part time
at the State Library of Tasmania as a technician in paper conservation
and exhibition officer.

Scotland has always been considered my family’s
homeland although the most recent immigrant in our family was my
paternal grandmother who made the journey as a young bride in 1906.
I have inherited many Scottish traits including desperate superstitions
which I am forever trying to control.
The Wilson family of the Steppes who emigrated
from the Scottish highlands to the rugged central highlands of Tasmania
lived their isolated lives in remarkable ways. They corresponded
with governors, naturalists, explorers, artists and writers. They
contributed with their work to the increasing awareness of the importance
of preserving the natural world.
The image for my work uses handwriting from
the manuscripts of Mary Wilson and a leaf sample taken from the
stately Manna Gums which surround the Wilson home and are a dominant
feature of the forest landscape that Madge Wilson so greatly revered.
Penny Carey Wells 2002
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