Australia just seems to be on the brain, popping up everywhere! Ochre is mined in Australia & used by Aboriginals in ceremonies and their art. I've been reading from the book, Color, a Natural History of the Palate, by Victoria Finlay. Her chapter on ochre was enlightening. Ochre-iron oxide-was the first color paint. It has been used on every inhabited continent since painting began. Australia has the longest continuous painting tradition in the world. I was inspired & made sure to use ochre as the primary hue of this piece. As a result of this map I have a much greater respect for the color, its origins & the people that have interwoven it into their culture. So cool.