Monique Ross

A look back at my time as Artist in Residence

I would like to acknowledge the Ngarluma people as the Traditional Custodians of the land I was honoured to weave on, and pay my respects to Elders past and present with hope for the future. Cossack holds stories stretching back tens of thousands of years, and it was a privilege to immerse myself in a place so rich with history and meaning. My time as the 2025 Artist in Residence was nothing short of extraordinary.

Coming from Magandjin/Brisbane, it was such a gift to spend time in a landscape so different from the one I usually call home. This was my first time in Western Australia, and the Pilbara revealed itself as a place of vast contrasts — arid yet abundant, ancient yet alive. I found inspiration everywhere – in the shifting patterns of the tides, the colours of rock and sky changing with the light, the birdsong carrying through the day, and the wildflowers scattered everywhere I looked. It is incredibly beautiful, and it had a profound influence on my work.

I instantly felt at home in Cossack, and soon settled into a gentle rhythm. Mornings began with coffee down at the wharf, watching the sun rise over the water, and in the afternoons I often walked to the lookout to watch the sky fade into night. In between, my hours were devoted to weaving, and to connecting with the many people who visited my Open Studio in the old courthouse. In the evenings, when the town grew quiet again, I was left with stillness and space to reflect. I came to love the duality of Cossack — there were moments where it felt like time had stopped, and moments that burst with lively activity.

The residency offered more than just time to make — it shifted something in me as an artist. To be so deeply immersed in landscape, community, and practice expanded the way I think about weaving and strengthened my relationship to process and place. It has given me a newfound sense of confidence in myself, and inspired me to pursue an immersive solo exhibition. I know this experience will continue to ripple through my work for years to come.

Though Cossack is remote, I never felt alone. Each day brought connection — with visitors who wandered into the studio for a chat; with community members who joined my workshops; with fellow artists I met through the Cossack Art Awards; and with the creatives I shared a home with. I was touched by the warmth and generosity of everyone I encountered. The City of Karratha went out of their way to support me, and locals even reached out via social media with tips on where to get the best coffee. A special thank you to the Cossack caretakers, Paddy and Dee, who made me feel so incredibly welcome. You’ll always hold a special place in my heart — and I’ll never forget the laughs (or the mud crabs!).

Being in Cossack also meant being present to its layered histories — of pearling, of colonisation, and of enduring cultural connection. This land is beautiful but there is sadness there too. That awareness stayed with me each day, reminding me to tread lightly, listen deeply, and honour the Country and those who continue to care for it.

My advice to artists considering applying…

• Just do it! It is a rare and wonderful thing to have so much focused time for creativity. The experience asks a lot of you, but it gives back tenfold.

• Don’t let the remoteness put you off — Cossack is close to several small towns, and the residency takes place during peak tourist season, so there is always something happening nearby. I especially loved Roebourne and Point Samson.

• Come with intention, but also with openness to where the experience may take you. Cossack will shape your work in ways you cannot imagine.

• Arrive with your social battery fully charged — you’ll meet many incredible people each day.

• Give yourself extra time before or after the residency to explore the Pilbara. Once the residency begins, the days are full. I was grateful for an extra week at the end to wander further afield.