‘Paradise Cave’ (2021), 91.4cm x 91.4cm / 36”x36” acrylic on canvas. (FRAMED)

This painting tells a story of exploring the depths of nature. Growing up in Tasmania, one of my favourite adventures was to follow the 54 steps down into the Gunns Plains Caves and stare in wonder at the magnificent formations, calcite shawls and flowstones, and to breath in the cool, damp, mineral smells. Fast forward many years, and to another continent, where I took a very memorable journey deep into the majestic Paradise Cave in Phong Nha, Vietnam. We hiked in for three hours before having lunch underneath an opening where silky sun beams illuminated one of nature’s most beautiful cathedrals. I was remembering my sense of glorious appreciation for the hidden architecture beneath our feet as I painted this story, and I hope you can feel the splendour of Paradise Cave I tried to invoke.