Materials: palm fruiting stalk, lawyer vine, Canson papers, inks

Technique: basketry, calligraphy

Size: 55 cm diameter x 20cm

Description: The fruiting body plays a pivotal role in the life cycle of the palm tree. It protects the seeds until they are fully developed, and once this nurturing role is complete, it then falls to the ground, and, in its disintegration, provides nutrients for the next generation. Thus it is a powerful metaphor for the cycle of life   continual regeneration, in which the death or transformation of one element is always essential for the continued existence of the whole.

Throughout history, and in most cultures, the circle epitomises unity, continuity and perfection. Wreaths can commemorate the past, as well as indicate renewed hope for the future. 

So a circular wreath seemed a particularly appropriate structure to symbolise the duality of life and death and the growth and decay of the fruiting body in the continuous cycle of life.

Selected for display in the “Interwoven Vision’ exhibition at Cooloola Shire Gallery in 2001 and at Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens Auditorium in 2002.

Printed in the Interwoven Vision catalogue (ISBN 0 9585342 8 4)

Displayed in “A Passion for Paper” in Coffs Harbour and printed in “Kalligraphia” in 2003.

Displayed in my solo exhibitions “Colourful Language” at Gallery 119 and in Corinda Library in 2004 and at Gallery 159 in 2007.

Displayed in my “The Language of Nature I” solo exhibition at Richard Randall Studio in 2012 (read more information about this in my Residency Blog).