Water of Life

Life in Bagan, Burma is very primitive; some people have to walk a long way to get to a water source. These four young girls are busy sorting out their buckets full of water, strapping them to the poles with ropes. They all seem to be very calm and contented with life even though this is not an easy or a light task. The green background is indicative of the tranquil atmosphere and the green and white of the girls’ clothes signify a simple life. The only highlight is the red on the pole, used to symbolize the sparkle of the essence of water in ones life.

Water of Life 2003 – Oil on canvas 95 x 85cm (sold)

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Composition I

Inspired by my visit to the Imperial Palace Garden in Tokyo, Japan, I created a series of Lily and gold fish compositions.

Composition I focuses on the goldfish that inhabit the palace ponds.  Koi are symbols of love and affection in Japan, and this positive imagery is echoed in the bold, bright colours and in the fan shapes that are used in the composition, which also represent friendship, respect and good wishes.  The fish swim freely in the heavenly banner of light that runs across the centre of the work.

Composition I 2006                                    Oil on canvas 100 x 90cm

Click to see more paintings from Reflections on Asia Exhibition