Angophora Costata trees are a springboard for my arts practice. I am particularly inspired by the distinguishable ‘twisted habits’ of the branches. Described by Costa Georgiadis as ‘the most human of all trees’ they also represent, to me, female energy and interconnectedness - a fundamental need of the human experience.

In this painting, ‘Angophora Heart’, the limbs of the trees are reconstructed into a painted sculptural form that represents the human heart. These limbs are from a group of trees that I grew up with. It’s a long term relationship, I know their curves and their twists, where the light falls in winter and summer.

I am fascinated when they adjust, and drop an unnecessary limb occasionally. I have been within metres of one being hit by lightning and then watching it slowly first drop its leaves and then its body wither before having to be removed, leaving the root system in the earth below.