I began painting this when I re-started rehabilitation to better manage stubborn and persistent issues since sustaining a traumatic brain injury over two years ago.
Among other things, after my injury I felt a loss of identity and sense of purpose. My rehab team is helping me to find my sense of “self” again which I feel is the main reflection of this painting. After scraping back some layers of paint, I found my first painting in the form of bare tree structures (inner-self). This is how I felt for some time – a little exposed, vulnerable and uncomfortable. However, I am now starting to see hope and feeling the warmth and guidance of those around. While the leaves have fallen for the moment, they will grow again and the tree will take a new form …. and in time so will I.
There are some things you can’t force or speed up in life, you have to wait for the repair and growth to happen. I love how you can always learn from nature. I hope this painting brings good energy, conversation, warmth and love to you and those in your home.
10% goes to Brain Injury Australia.