‘In Blackwater Woods’ (2021), 139.7 x 139.7 / 55”x 55” acrylic on canvas, collage, pencil, matte varnish. (Tasmanian Oak Frame available on request for additional cost of $300

This painting tells the story of the inevitable heartbreak of true love. It is inspired by a poem by the American poet Mary Oliver, who wrote that “To live in this world, you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go.”

The rest of the poem evokes organic splendour, and I chose to employ some gold leaf in this piece to reflect how I value the symbiotic relationship we have with our environment, which is one of the greatest loves of my life.