As an artist and working with artists, there is often the dilemma and internal dialogue of desiring change, and development; but not wanting to lose one's style. I grapple with this dilemma myself...

Just recently I was given a postcard of a watercolour and ink drawing by Piet Mondrian of a Blue Chrysanthemum. Mondrian in my brain is simple geometry and primary colours - this drawing is arresting in its delicate line work and hues and tones. I couldn't believe it was a Mondrian - AND it's in the Guggenheim. Was this style only looked on favourably by the art world after Mondrian had become famous for his geometric compositions - or was it acclaimed at the time?

How often do we see people standing infront of a painting, saying "BUT, what does it MEAN?"... The answer: it doesn't have to mean anything. Art is not the answer to a question; it is not a mathematical solution; and it doesn't have to perform a function - but it does in my opinion, and in the words of the master Picasso:

“Art washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life...”

... thus, it doesn't need analysing - allow it to talk to your soul, to affect you without meaning - it could affect you immediately, it could cause you to ponder, self-reflect - it could transport you to childhood memories; or to a place you haven't been.

Art is a wonder..... allow it to be wondrous - you can laugh, you can cry, or quietly applaud.

This was a trip I should have done years ago - a trip that all Australians should do. 

I travelled up north with Margot Turner; and Karen Swaffer (glass jewellery designer). The first four days of our trip were spent at Yuendemu - a community north west of Alice - accessible by the unsealed Tanami Track. The bush bus was an experience all in itself - the art centre "Warlukurlangu" is run by a small and dedicated group of women - who support and develop the artists; as well as giving them a calm place to paint. Famous Yuendemu artist, Shorty, paints everyday from the art centre... a character of a man.

From 9am to 6pm we spent our time mixing paints, priming canvasses; and generally getting a better understanding of the Warlpiri people and their stories.

From there we headed back down to Alice to meet up with artist Jane Canfield; and our guide and Indigenous artist, Vincent Forrester.

I'm sure many of us remember that little saying, "Wattle, wattle.. stick it in a bottle......" it's not all that silly. I just adore fresh flowers in my home - they make me feel spoilt, special and indulgent; but sometimes for us busy bees, it's difficult to buy fresh every week....... just walking along the lake near my home (50 metres) are the most beautiful assortment of vase/jar, or indeed bottle appropriate specimens to perk up any home; or any one...

A branch with lichen was my found treat... perfectly formed, weathered, with the fungus lichen growing on it in a soft olive green - and in a vase or bottle in the middle of the diningroom table; lamp table; or entrance hall - it adds height, an organic elegance; and I don't have to stress about changing old water or dead petals..... long live lichen.