Empathy

Glenbrook conservation area in Newcastle NSW is a welcome retreat on hot summer days. Winding rocky paths make their way through the quiet bush and lead many a traveller on foot, bike and horse. The deep cool shadows in the bush to the side of this well worn path hide and protect a variety of animals insects and plants. The dappled light creates a myriad of patterns and imagined shapes. Despite all of this busy unseen life, walking through the space quickly stills the body and spirit. I often visit the area to renew body and emotions, as it allows my thoughts to form and settle. On my latest walk, it occurred to me, at this quieter time after family gatherings, that we can always try to 'do' life and love better. To that end- 'Empathy' is a wonderful quality, free of judgements, as it is a first response to the pain and needs of another. The word 'Path' is hidden within this wonderful concept and provides a calming meditation tool to develop this skill. This was my first lesson for 2023.

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I am an oil painter in love with Australian light and landscapes. Living on Awabakal land, I respect and acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this land. I exhibit in Newcastle, Sydney and regional NSW. The work is gestural and executed with a range of mark making tools to create impasto techniques of the shapes, tones and colours unique to Australia. Often sought for their rich texture and patterned surfaces, many of the works present a rich, varied and bold colour scheme that punch well above their weight.