I created “Dry” when people across Australia were experiencing both fires and flooding. The underpainting is built up using vibrant reds, evocative of the fires, and drips and splashes of dark blue-green, which reminded me of flowing water. All of this is largely covered up, much like the reality of environmental disaster is covered over in our politics and news coverage. The dry macadamia leaves and wheat sheaf alludes to agriculture and drought; the plate is handcrafted by my potter friend, using wild-harvested clay from the local hills.
This is not an uplifting painting, but it is thought provoking and a great conversation starter! There is rich contrast between the detailed realism of the leaves and wheat against the abstract marks of the underpainting. The painting is softened by its warm palette and gentle tones in the shadows. There is something new to find every time you look.