Retritus

Norton Fredericks (they/ he) born 1990 in Tulmur, Ipswich is an early career interdisciplinary visual artist and workshop facilitator. Norton has mixed European and Aboriginal Australian (Murri) heritage and currently lives on Kombumerri Country, Gold Coast. Norton’s practice-based research often sits at the intersection between art and science examining the external forces that impact on both the human experience and the environment around us. Their work explores themes of ecological threats, environmental contamination, trauma, and their intersectional identity. They create using predominantly historical techniques across fibre, textiles, metals, pottery and photography mediums while drawing from their knowledge of chemistry, environmental sustainability and ancient crafts. Norton imbues their work with geographical memories and examines how environmental variables respond with materials.

Retritus is my business and I created the name from 'detritus' (dead particulate organic matter that decomposes with the help of microorganisms in to nutrient rich substrate ie. leaf litter on a forest floor) while incorporating the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Regenerate ethos. I love the idea of using 'detritus', recycling leaves and fabric in to nutrient rich cloth that nourishes the soul, mind and body while bringing awareness to the importance of natural fibres.