Gasworks Art Park exhibition
Nature's resilience
My first impressions of the Australian bush, as a young migrant from the Netherlands, have always remained with me – the colour and movement of the gum trees, the sound of the magpies and the dry dirt under foot. There is the soft green/blue light towards the end of the day and in the mornings, the resilience of our bush and its ability to recover after bushfires and its pleasing sounds as you wonder through and listen to the rustle of the trees and the bird songs.
My life has changed in the past few months and there has been an inward-looking process which has allowed me to realise what is important. The beauty of our surroundings – the beach, the parks and the wonderful camaraderie of friends who are there for you when you need them, has meant that I appreciate even more what is around me including the resilience of nature and its importance in my life.
I have spent the vast majority of my working life in science. Majoring in biochemistry, working as a biochemist, researcher and eventually setting up a research and teaching centre at Swinburne University on sustainability and climate change. The work at the National Centre for Sustainability at Swinburne (2001 - 2011) was very satisfying because the people I worked with were dedicated and passionate about their work. I am still involved a with a range of activities which work to ensure that all our grandchildren will grow up in a world that is liveable. Nature is constantly adjusting, and its resilience may yet surprise us.
Now my time is spent painting, drawing and teaching and I continue to find great joy in the painting process.