Two Thirds Sky: Artists in Desert Country (2002)

A unique cinematic portrait of the heart of Australia, Two Thirds Sky - Artists in Desert Country reveals different ways of seeing the Australian desert. Some people, living on the continent's edges, view the Australian interior with fear and fascination. For others, the desert is their soul place. In this film, five Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists explore the country's centre and what it means to them and their work. Peter Sharp, Jenny Sages, Idris Murphy, Judy Watson and Gloria Petyarre...the documentary follows the creative journeys of these contemporary artists from blank canvas to finished painting. Each has a different relationship to the land they paint, yet all are attempting to express their identity and sense of belonging through their work, drawing inspiration and meaning from their surroundings. Stunning cinematography reveals the extraordinary variety and stark beauty of the landscape and blends seamlessly with the artworks in progress. The result is an unusual insight into the connections between art and place and our changing attitudes to the Australian outback. Produced by Arcadia Pictures in association with SBS Independent. Financed by the Australian Film Finance Corporation.