Plant Diversity in the Tropics

Our environment is ever threatened by the impact of human habitation, but the sexier parts of it, like the reef and the rainforests, are more likely to be the pets of the public. In the Cairns region we are lucky enough to have retained large areas of mangrove ecosystems, but their vital role in our lives is often unrecognised.

Regarded by many people, notably developers, as muddy, colourless, mosquito infested swamps, mangroves are integral to the health, well being and economy of our region.

Besides being the habitat of countless species of plants and animals they play other crucial roles in protecting the reef by preventing sediment from drifting into the clearer waters where coral communities grow. They are the sheltered nurseries for many species, and have been shown to absorb pollution, and provide an important buffer against cyclones.

As an artist I am not only fascinated by the colours, forms and moods of these cleverly adapted organisms, but am also interested in the fragile relationship with humans who often don't recognise their value because they are not seen as 'pretty'. All of the works in this series are mixed media on canvas.