MANLY DAM  

“Manly Dam” is a richly layered artwork inspired by the native gums that surround the Manly Vale region—specifically Sydney Red Gums and Scribbly Gums. The work draws from the natural variation in bark colour and texture seen in these species, exaggerating their tonal shifts and peeling layers into distinct, flowing sections. These lines—never touching—echo the organic separations and surface rhythms of the trees themselves.

The palette extends beyond the bark, incorporating hues from flowers, foliage, and the surrounding sandstone landscape to create a surreal, heightened interpretation of each tree’s presence. Painted on timber panel, the piece invites slow contemplation; its rhythmic, undulating forms and intricate detailing offer a meditative experience that deepens with each viewing. “Manly Dam” is both a tribute to the quiet intelligence of these local species and a contemporary exploration of nature’s complexity, colour, and storytelling potential.