The Happy Tree came to fruition after a lovely lady from the outer regions of Gippsland came to visit me in the studio and couldn’t walk away without a painting. She told me of the connection she had to my work and how spiritually uplifting it was to her. So, I painted her The Happy Tree.
This piece symbolises the growth, love, passion and joy of a family, represented as butterflies. Together they fly, feeling the tree’s energy.
Parrots represent laughter and frivolity. They are a positive energy that colours their life in joy. One white cockatoo is strategically placed in the tree. It has a magical energy and powerful message of communication. It’s important to say what is on your mind, and be open to communication in every close relationship.
Wrens are an important addition to this painting. There’s a tale about a fairy wren living a full happy life. It goes like this:
One day, a man went out into the bushland to find a fairy wren, because he was told he would be given the wisdom and insight he needed to get through the year ahead. The man was disappointed when he came out of the bushland without seeing one. So, he went back the next day.
Then the day after that. And the day after that. He looked in the grass, behind trees, behind shrubs but still couldn’t find one. He decided to give up. He went on with the life he’d always known, doing things the same way day in, day out.
Until one day he decided to stop and ask himself if what he was doing was making him happy. It wasn’t. He knew he could do better. At that moment a little blue wren came flying out of a nearby shrub and landed on his shoulder.
Wrens are elusive birds that are only seen if they want you to see them. To see one means you are given the power of wisdom and insight. The wren flew out to let this man know he had what he needed all along, he just needed to open his mind to all possibilities.
In this painting, there are also pink frogs hiding in the tree. They are a symbol of health and cleansing. If you have frogs in your garden it means you have a healthy ecosystem because frogs will never live anywhere that is toxic or poisonous.
I loved painting The Happy Tree – there are so many reasons to celebrate life and this painting is one of them. A colourful celebration on canvas.
