This is a Cairn

This is a Cairn; rocks stacked to make a tower. There a few of these impressive stacks on a small beach beneath Long Reef headland on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Historically a cairn was used as a navigational tool, or a marker to indicate a sacred site. There is controversy about these stacks being constructed in our modern day as it is considered that they may disrupt the ecosystem of the area. When I saw this stack recently I admired the skill it had taken to build. It looked like it had been there for some time. I was also watching a young family begin another, using rocks washed up from the shoreline. They were enjoying carefully constructing the tower and leaving it there as a mark of their time together. The cairns intrigue me and whether or not they should still be built is another matter. They are still something that captures a moment or a meaning for someone. Here I have captured this stack in oil paint made by some unknown person.

This painting would look great in a sunroom or beach house or on a verandah or open plan living space. . Perfect for a beach style interior.

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I’m a Sydney-based artist working primarily in oils. I paint any subject that inspires me — often finding beauty in places or things others might overlook. Nature, everyday moments, and fleeting impressions constantly motivate me, and my goal is to capture a moment in time on canvas. Rather than seeking a specific narrative, I’m drawn to colour, light, and texture — qualities that oil paint beautifully brings to life.

Although I’ve always loved sketching and copying images, it wasn’t until my 30s that I pursued art more seriously, enrolling in a Creative Arts course at my local TAFE. Those classes in oil painting and drawing helped me grow in skill and confidence. While I still consider myself largely self-taught, that foundational learning gave me the momentum to keep exploring and developing my own style.

For many years, painting was something I did quietly for myself, fitting it in around work and family life. Now that I have more time to devote to my art, I’m excited to share it with others who appreciate creative expression.

I’m proud to have been recognised as a *Featured Artist* on Bluethumb and to have my work included in several of their curated collections — a wonderful platform that connects artists and collectors across Australia.

Thank you for taking the time to view my work. I hope it brings you as much pleasure as it brings me to create it.