The ghostly Meleleuca trees that border the shores of Lake Cootharaba had me captivated around the same time I was invited to contribute some pieces for the Tree Place group exhibition at Noosa Regional Gallery in December 2018.
Throughout the winter and spring of 2018 I began and ended several days absorbing the tranquility of Boreen Point, the lake and the Everglades. After the third or fourth early morning, the lake and horizon shrouded in mist, fog and total silence; the direction for this series was formulated in my mind. Within the compositions I worked to convey the very essence of that complete stillness to the viewer. Time and time again, I found myself back out there, the curves of the trees becoming as familiar as the ducks that circled, engaged in their zen like foraging. As my enchantment with the silvery tea trees and ever present welcome swallows deepened, a sense of sanctuary punctuated those hours. The collection Finding Solace is named so as that is what slowly transpired within me. It had become a sanctuary. Beyond the smorgasbord of photo opportunities, beyond the surreal other worldly haze across the glassy water, beyond the many captured images, was the immense sense of presence and solace I found. That engulfing silence and slow hum of nature stayed with me and permeated my days and continue to call me. Back to the still expansive waters where long tranquil moments live.
Needless to say, with such a wealth of imagery at my fingertips the collection continues to grow beyond the scope of the pieces required for the Tree Place exhibition (Dec 8th – January 27) As I work my way through the images and combine ink, paint and words a body of work is evolving.
