The one thing I have learned about change is that it helps greatly to let go of negative thoughts. Focus on the things you can control, and be present and mindful in the moments that matter.
For me, I take off my shoes and walk—letting go of negativity and overthinking, and grounding myself in the present, with those I love.
Woman with Sapphire Eyes is the second painting in my series, Women of Influence.
If Mother Nature were flesh and blood, this is how I would see her—a woman filled with the ability to flourish, shine, and move effortlessly in her own skin. She carries a grounded energy, radiating abundance and growth.
She represents water, earth, and sun—three essential elements that allow all life to thrive. She is our greatest influence, and we are all part of her process. Every living creature has a purpose. When we recognise this, we gain a deeper understanding of our existence and what we can do to protect her.
There are many symbols within this painting—some obvious, others more subtle.
Water flows from her hair, nurturing all creatures that swim and allowing them to move freely within her energy. In my work, fish symbolise deep emotions and passions. They remind us that we can either paddle in the shallows of life or dive deep to discover more.
Turtles represent gratitude. They are the teachers of the sea, moving in harmony with the rhythm of the water—slowly, deliberately, fully present. If we do the same, pausing to appreciate what is right in front of us, we discover gratitude—a powerful key to mental well-being.
Every aspect of nature is essential to Mother Nature’s survival, including insects. Here, grasshoppers teach us to leap with bravery, praying mantises remind us to practice patience, and ladybugs encourage us to spread love. Each creature plays a role in its own habitat, offering us different perspectives on both the earth and ourselves.
Golden Spinebills take flight, reminding us to seek joy, while an array of blossoming flowers reflect the cyclic nature of life—budding, blooming, and returning to the earth, nourishing the ground for new growth.
There are seven brightly coloured butterflies, representing the moments when the sun rises and sets, painting the sky with vibrant hues. The gilded gold in the background serves as a reminder to be grateful for each sunrise that brings us light and each sunset that signals the warmth of another day lived.
Finally, the colour of Mother Nature’s eyes—sapphire blue. The deep, rich shade sometimes seen in the ocean on a cool autumn day, when the low light reflects a spectrum of blues, distinctly resembling the brilliance of a sapphire—a precious gem formed deep within the earth.
Everything is connected. Mother Nature teaches us to find our purpose, nurture small seeds, open our hearts with compassion, and live honestly, in alignment with both ourselves and the world around us.
