A sunset descends over the Bass Coast, where all creatures gather in unity and with purpose. A family, a community, and loved ones coming together to create the energy needed to heal, restore harmony, and bring balance back to Mother Nature.
This was my final piece for 2020.
There are certain times of the year along the South Gippsland coast when we experience the most breathtaking sunsets. They are vibrant, rich in colour, and so intense that the sky appears to be on fire. You have to be there at just the right moment to witness them, as the brilliance only lasts a few minutes. Seeing these sunsets over the ocean is one of nature’s greatest gifts – something surfers experience regularly.
I have witnessed many of these magical moments while sitting on the foreshore, watching my son surf over the past ten years. Each one has been nothing short of spectacular.
I wanted to capture those few minutes of vibrancy in the sky in The Secret Garden, rich in colour and beauty. Much like a life lived to its fullest, its brilliance lasts only a fleeting moment before it is gone.
Each creature in this painting has a purpose. The whale brings knowledge and wisdom to the gathering. A shining beacon of light in the ocean, he leaps into the sky to share his wisdom. His friends, the turtles, follow closely behind, leading the way to happiness and helping everyone see the beauty right in front of them and inspiring gratitude for nature’s gifts. A praying mantis sits on the foreshore, teaching us patience and the importance of allowing things to heal naturally. Two little frogs bring their cleansing energy, purifying the space. A green dragonfly, its luminous wings shimmering in the light, symbolises dedication and hard work reminding us that when we commit to our goals, we will reap the rewards of our efforts.
Three kookaburras soar in, sharing their wisdom of family roots and strong bonds. They remind us to stay connected to our loved ones and to check in on them often. The majestic cranes, seen in our coastal wetlands, are messengers of hope. Their pure white feathers bring clarity, reminding us to stay strong and never give up. A family of magpies swoops in, singing their song of new opportunities and exciting beginnings, generating an electric energy as they fly. The pink galahs, bright, colourful, and full of life, bring joy and friendship. They encourage us to shift from a negative mindset to a positive one and embrace fun.
Two peacocks, our protectors, sit watching over their royal brood. As messengers of the universe, they guide us to seek clarity through beauty and grace. Golden butterflies deliver a message of courage – be brave, step into the unknown, and you will discover strengths you never knew you had and wings you never knew you could grow.
Finally, a family of yellow-tailed black cockatoos appears in the distance, arriving just in time to remind us to trust in a process we cannot control. Things happen for reasons we may not yet understand, but their special cleansing rain magic assures us that we are always being looked after. All we need to do is trust.
