Aussie icons. A big, beautiful gum tree and a flock of galahs spiralling around it. It’s what we see in gardens and parks all across Australia. What could feel more like home than the sights and sounds of these birds and a good old gum tree?
Home is where the heart is, they say… and they, whoever they are, are right.
When unforeseen change arrives without warning, it can be difficult to navigate.
What has kept me grounded through a period of massive change is my connection to nature. This incredible, old, wise tree had to be painted. It has stood the test of time, enduring countless changes and circumstances in Inverloch over hundreds of years – still growing, still swaying in the wind. And it just so happens to stand right outside my studio, reminding me every day to grow through change.
It whispers, "You are still home. The landscape may be different, but your heart remains the same."
The Elders Tree represents facing life’s challenges and changes with courage and understanding. It reminds us to grow through change and to stay connected to where we come from.
Life’s lessons are gifts. If we keep an open mind and embrace change, life will present us with new opportunities and hope.
There are many symbolic elements within this painting.
A woman is seen walking up over the hill, stepping into a triangle formed by three magpies. Spiralling galahs surround her as she discovers possibilities she never knew existed, an abundance of joy in motion.
The triangle is a shape of strength, with evenly distributed weight that gives it stability. As she walks up and into this triangle, it symbolises stepping into her own strengths and discovering a bounty of new opportunities.
The beautiful pink galahs represent joy, friendship, love, and playfulness. If you have ever seen them flying nearby, you’ll know their loud, fun-loving nature. They lift our energy, spiralling it upward until we feel a sense of hope and positivity. This pink ball of energy teaches us to reach for new goals with ease – not to struggle through obstacles, but to soar over them instead.
Climbing up the back of the tree, unnoticed by her, is a small frog singing its song.
Frogs symbolise health and cleansing energy. Their unique call reminds us to be proud of who we are and to sing our own song. They also teach us the value of our environment, reminding us that even the smallest changes in how we live can have a meaningful impact. These humble little creatures show us that we don’t need to make drastic lifestyle changes to create big shifts. One small adjustment, a shift in mindset, or a change in attitude can be incredibly empowering.
