Panic Years is a series of works created with the trash and treasure found on the artist’s daily walks along her local beach. At a time of great expectation and trepidation, these daily walks act as a form of anxiety relief where walking and collecting feels like a small act of good for the artist and the planet.

These collected materials are woven, wrapped, hung and glued to form a brightly coloured collection of small works, made quietly in the artist’s home while she panics about the future.

Panic Years was shown at Cool Change Contemporary, November 27 - December 18 2021.

Dionne Hooyberg is an artist, and my friend.

This year, Dionne has created this new exciting body of work whilst not related, this year I have found myself with my very first boyfriend. 

Most evenings Dionne takes a stroll along the Bunbury beaches gathering fishing rope, wrappers, plastic and shells . 

Corey and I first met in Donnybrook early this year, we exchanged handmade gifts, and went for a walk around the Preston river. Getting to know each other, we were both curious excited, and nervous. 

The plastic that washes up daily is a major concern for Dionne. I know it makes her anxious about the environment, the climate, the planet, her niece and nephew and her future. 

Corey and I both come from big families but very different backgrounds. Corey is yamaji Noongar and I am an English settler living on Wardandi/Whadjuk boodja. We’ve been dating for 7 months, I’ve met his Mum and Dad and he’s met mine. 

Dionne turns 30 at the end of this year, and she’s thinking a lot about what that means. What plans need to be made, how much money she needs to make, does she want to get married, where does she want to live, does she want kids, can she have kids. The clocking is ticking. 

These are concerns we both share. As I turn 30 next year and as my friends around get engaged, have children, buy homes, it makes me worry. What do I want, what does Corey want, where do we want to live, how much money do we need, do we want the same things, what does our future look like. 

I wasn’t sure of the answer to all of these questions, until I started writing and thinking  deeply about why Dionne has made this body of work. Why she goes for daily beach walks, and brings home trash. Why she sews, weaves, crochets, glues, ponders and reimagines how these things could go together, what could they be, why am I doing this, how do I feel, what does it all mean and oh gosh I’m nearly 30. 

I think I know the answer, and it makes me feel positive, so positive that I can’t stop writing at 10:52pm on a Monday night. It’s got me all inspired, excited, hopeful and confident. About my future, about Dionne’s future and about your future. 

Enjoy this exhibition, go for a beach walk, and keep your eyes peeled. You’ll never know what you may find.