When I first met the Johnson family, I was blown away by their connection to nature – it held an importance in their lives, even though they lived in a busy, built-up city.
They had created their own little sanctuary amongst urban chaos, with a garden full of green life. But, it wasn’t just their garden they wanted to show me, it was a beautiful, old oak tree that grew in the community park, just around the corner.
This family was the self-appointed guardian of the tree. Their kids played under it as little ones, they shared stories and picnics under it with family and friends, and they walked by it every day. They also kept an eye on two tawny frogmouth owls living close by.
In full bloom, the oak tree was a sight to behold; a green beacon, which brought people out of their homes to play in the park.
When I painted The Guardian Tree, I tried to capture as much of this family as possible. The parents are represented by two owls, perched on the oak tree, cuddled together as they protect the tree and the ones they love. They’ve shared a life together since they were 15 years old.
Their two beautiful daughters, friends and family all fly and dance around their gold lined tree.
They’re surrounded by galahs, crimson rosellas and rainbow lorikeets. These wild, colourful birds bring love, laughter, fun and frivolity to their lives. They sing in joy because they’re connected to such a beautiful family and incredible nature.
This tree has been in their lives for so long and I only hope it will continue to grow for many more years to come. Thank you so much, Johnson family, for sharing your story and giving me the opportunity to capture this tree’s magnificence on canvas.
