Gold Coast artist Rebecca Ross takes mapping to new heights

A Tugun artist's unconventional approach to exploring the Gold Coast has literally elevated her perspective of the region she calls home.

Artist and curator Rebecca Ross. Picture Annette Dew

Most people explore their neighbourhood on foot or by car, but Gold Coast artist Rebecca Ross has taken a more unconventional approach – learning to fly.

“I have been learning to fly which has allowed me to explore an aerial relationship with the coastline from north to south,” Ms Ross told The Bulletin as part of our weekly series celebrating the region.

Gold Coast artist Rebecca Ross began making map collages in 2010 and has since employed actual maps in her ‘exercises in mapping’ - an ongoing part of her work commissioned for exhibitions at the Embassy of Australia in Washington DC U.S.A. , HOTA Home of the Arts (on two separate occasions), the British School at Rome in Italy, BMC Agency, Spiro Grace Art Rooms and the Churchie Art Award. Picture: Instagram

It’s a fitting pursuit for someone who describes their work as “exercises in mapping” – map collages which have made permanent public homes across the Coast, including pieces at Robina Health Precinct and Gold Coast University Hospital, Robina Health Precinct and held in collections at HOTA Gallery.

Gold Coast artist Rebecca Ross began making map collages in 2010 and has since employed actual maps in her ‘exercises in mapping’ – an ongoing part of her work commissioned for multiple exhibitions. Picture: Instagram

When she’s not soaring above the coastline, Ms Ross is firmly grounded in Tugun’s “terrific community vibe”.

Her favourite local haunts include walks along the esplanade to Flat Rock, the bowlo, Fox’s Pantry, and plane spotting at Betty Diamond field.

“I go surfing, walking and to Currumbin rockpools and I also turn to my map collection for inspiration,” she said.

Gold Coast artist Rebecca Ross began making map collages in 2010 and has since employed actual maps in her ‘exercises in mapping’ – an ongoing part of her work commissioned for multiple exhibitions. Picture: Instagram

Or she’ll find creative inspiration through surfing with the Artist Boardriders Club – “a club for artists who surf” – where she’s spent years “drawing lines and making ephemeral maps in the water.

“The camaraderie is priceless,” she said.

Artist and curator Rebecca Ross. Picture Annette Dew

Ms Ross said many people had preconceived ideas about what the Gold Coast is based on

outdated experiences.

“I’d like them to know that there are creative and eclectic places and events to explore, and artists doing good things here.”

Originally published as Gold Coast artist Rebecca Ross takes mapping to new heights