IRONBARK TRIPTYCH

These three paintings developed from a conversation with Kristin about her new company.  She wanted to have a work of art that would reflect her values, her background and what her new business is about.

Ironbark Associates is named, in part, for the trees in Warialda in western NSW where Kristin grew up and where the hardy and majestic Mugga (Red) Ironbark flourishes.

I visited Sydney’s Ironbark forest at Wallamatta to understand their appeal.  These soaring eucalypts have beautifully patterned, thick, fire-resistant bark, as well as delicate flowers and gum nuts.

As I researched this Australian native, I found that Ironbark has a strength rating that far outstrips other hardwoods, like pine.  Pine has a strength of Force 5; Ironbark’s is Force 27.  It grows straight and true but will also bend around any obstacle and continue reaching skyward.  It produces beautiful flowers and hardy gum nuts that keep it flourishing and generating new growth through difficult conditions.

My Ironbark Triptych tries to encapsulate this mix of strength and resilience in the face of danger and at the same time the capacity to nurture new shoots and to keep soaring and generating new growth.

The first painting in the triptych is in a dark, rich palette with the tree in close-up as it battles the elements and resolutely sprouts new shoots.  The second painting has a lightness at a time of renewal and the third shows the ironbark forest soaring.  The transition is from strength to strength through adversity with courage, conviction and care.