I have a particular fondness for trees and feature them extensively in my work.

Trees connect to the three levels of the cosmos – the Underworld through their penetrating roots; the Earth’s surface with their trunk and lower branches; Heaven (skywards) with their upper branches and top.

My artwork incorporates the heavenly-reaching aspect of trees and the “fallen” – those that “reside” on the ground. The former has a deliberate two-dimensional aspect in my graphic art, while I feature the latter in my coloured pencil drawings as “indicators”, “highlighters” or pointers”, in a more three-dimensional manner.

We are blessed with an abundance of trees here in Tasmania. There are many national parks, tree plantations and a massive forestry industry that is currently the subject of much debate.

Many of our highland lakes that were created for hydro-electric power contain many “dead” trees which have become the homes of many birds and insects as well as providing nourishment for the many trout that inhabit these waters. At first and last light such trees create magnificent silhouettes.

I love to “fossic” about on coastal strips and on nearby river mouths to see what has been washed ashore, especially driftwood.

The influence of “henges” such as “Stonehenge” is evident in my work using stone and wood as symbols of homage to our Creator.

The wooden cross is often a key image, serving as a symbol of “life”, forgiveness, redemption and hope.