The Together Tree is about an inspiring family and their connection to one another. It tells the story of what they have endured, where they have been and what they are yet to create. It’s filled with their love, memories and hope.
The tree itself represents a woman, mother to three children and daughter to the kingfishers. Through adversity, family loss and heartbreak she has managed to shine through. Casting a warm glow over her family. She is a strong foundation. The abundant tree passes on family stories to her children. Her roots are their history, where they have come from. The children will be connected and loved forever by this glowing, pink tree.
When I first met the woman behind the tree, she asked if I could paint something that represented her family. But before I started, she asked if I would meet her mother – a strong and courageous, yet gentle and loving woman who would give me some special insight into the family.
Time was of the essence. Because, sadly, her mum was dying. She only had weeks to live. Her father had passed nine months earlier and three other family members had also passed in the last few years. This family had experienced so much loss over such a short time.
I met and chatted with her mum for a few hours over tea. The whole family rallied around her so she could stay at home, something she always wanted. Her childhood was one of darkness, but with her incredible internal light, she never let that darkness define her. The family she went on to create was only filled with love. She passed a few weeks later, peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family.
I was so moved by her and her family’s stories, I painted The Together Tree.
It tells a story of three generations – mum, her daughter and three grandchildren. Her daughter, the woman who asked me to paint this piece, will continue to pave the path of love that her mother and father started. No matter what they endure, how they rise above and deal with it, is the most important thing. Where there is a dark there is always light.
The kingfishers represent her late mother and father. They are flying off onto new adventures. She has a tail made of sparkling blossoms. It leaves a trail behind her – her incredible, positive mark on the world. And keeps her forever connected to her daughter and grandchildren.
While I sat chatting to the very frail, yet connected mother, she told me how she had always dreamt of seeing the Northern Lights, but never did. So, in this painting, her husband swoops in to take her there. They can live together eternally and she can experience the wonder and magic of the Northern Lights as a kingfisher bird.
When I created this tree, I had a vision of the root system. It had to be intricate, detailed and strong. Later, I found out what I had painted was almost identical to a Bonsai tree the father had grown. He loved, created and nurtured over 100 beautiful Bonsai trees. He was a man with great compassion, empathy and love for those in need.
The story continues with three grandchildren playing below the watchful eyes of colourful parrots. The parrots bring joy, love, frivolity and unconditional friendship to the tree. They represent this family’s closest friends, who have been a constant support through everything. They have never given up on them and continue to be there no matter what.
Each grandchild has a special gift to give their family. Grandchildren play a vital role in keeping families together – not only continuing the bloodline, but bringing their unique personalities and talents to a family.
The first grandchild is the storyteller. She’s perched in the tree, reading a story about her kingfisher grandparents. Family is the most important thing we have. We should accept each other's differences, because it’s those differences that make a family so special. The storyteller reminds her family of this.
The second is the intellect. He sits in the middle of the tree, with energy from the roots flowing through him and connecting him to his grandparents. He’s articulate and an intuitive, guiding force for his family. He is a reminder to always seek understanding and love over judgement and hate.
The third grandchild is the spirit. She uses the energy of the tree to fill people's hearts with love and kindness. She’s cheeky, fun and happy – traits she inherited from her grandmother. She’s a reminder to rise above the small things and find a positive way to get through the big things.
Having the opportunity to paint this piece was truly remarkable. I can’t help but think about the amount of divine intervention I felt while painting it. It had an incredible energy. It’s a painting full of love and hope. Remember, be the change that you want to see, stay connected, love each other, create memories and let your stories live on.
