This painting was inspired by a beautiful place I came across while passing through Bellingen. I was immediately drawn to the water, the layers of green and, particularly, the willow tree cascading towards the water.

Willows have always held a special meaning for me. They bring back beautiful childhood memories and, perhaps because of that, have come to represent comfort and sanctuary in my work. I also love the way they bend and move with their surroundings while remaining firmly grounded.

This painting became less about recreating the place exactly and more about capturing how it made me feel — that sense of calm, reflection and being completely immersed in nature.