Wukaluwikiwayna – 101x101cm

“Wukaluwikiwayna” represents the long historical journey of the Maria Island National Park in Tasmania, from both a natural and human point of view. The centerpiece of the painting features the ocean making a welcome entrance into Darlington Bay. This ocean played a key part in the creation of the island, it’s rise and fall over time created the island and left a legacy of fossilised creatures in its cliffs and other remarkable geological features. This same ocean was integral in facilitating the diverse human history of the island, starting with the rich indigenous heritage, where for more than 35,000 years, the Oyster Bay nation people made regular canoe crossings to the island. From there the island had a mixed history, including two convict eras, two industrial eras, a farming era and a journey to becoming a national park. All of this history has left a legacy of structures, created an abundance of wildlife and forged the character on the island. All of which I have tried to capture in this painting. I am a Sydney based painter, designer and art director. I work with the medium of acrylic on canvas, board and wood. My subject matter generally focuses on Australian landscape, where I often explore the interaction between natural environments with man-made constructions. I utilise detailed brush work, dramatic lighting and vibrant colour palettes to accentuate the appearance of nature and the lasting impression these environments have had on me. I have a deep admiration for 19th-century landscape paintings by artists such as John Glover, Eugene Von Guérard and Tom Roberts. Their picturesque style, composition, and techniques are a great source of inspiration.