Waratah spirited natives petals luminous against the dark

petals luminous against the dark

revered in First Nations tradition as the element of fire

evoking a sensory memory that’s more felt than seen

and the instinct to nest

Judge's note: "Dramatic and delightful — a fantastical quality with memorable appeal — rich detail

Waratah spirited natives petals luminous against the darkThe Waratah has long been admired for its strength, complexity, and unmistakable presence. In this work, the flower becomes a study of rhythm and structure, with layers of colour and gestural mark making revealing the intricate architecture hidden within its bloom. Suspended between realism and abstraction, the painting captures not only the physical form of the flower but also its characterbold, resilient, and luminous. Rich colour relationships and