That title is even truer than you might imagine. As I write this, the Federal Government is possibly about to give the green light for the tailings dam that will inundate the very area where these pieces were painted. The Bob Brown Foundation is currently out there peacefully protesting and inviting people to have a look at what is under threat.

It makes me so sad and frustrated. These places are so precious, not only for Australia, but for the world. Apart from anything else, there are huge ancient trees have stood proud in this forest for an eternity. I can only guess how old they might be. The endangered masked owl lives among them, with many other animals, birds, reptiles, insects etc. Where will they go? The whole ecosystem will be destroyed.

For now, I can only get on with writing about my possibly even more precious, last day of making art in this part of Takayna.

Speaking of ancient trees, I decided to paint near “Grandmother Myrtle” again. This time I stood under her and painted a section of her surroundings.

As I write, I’m feeling nostalgic at the prospect of the destruction that may be on its way. In my minds eye, I can see warm, gentle sunlight streaming down to the forest floor. It touches lacey fern fronds on its way down and gently warms the mosses and lichens. I can feel it on my face. It lights the place up, brings it to life, it. This is very different to the damp, ferny, mossy green rainforest feeling you get on a rainy day. I was lucky to get sunny days while there. Wet days are far more plentiful in Takayna, but they are also enjoyable in their own way. It makes the forest what it is.

Here’s the finished painting.

After lunch, I walked back down to the Fern Village to slap some mixed media marks around. These fast playful exercises are great for gathering marks and composition ideas. In a relatively short time, I can churn out heaps of mixed media inspiration for months to come, both abstract and representational. Who wouldn’t love this as a studio eh?

It’s a case of pick up some art tool or media to make marks with. Then, feel the atmosphere in any way that grabs your attention, and playfully make marks. You can use all your senses and really let go.

Our time in Takayna came to an end and I headed home to get my four pieces ready for the exhibition. Here are three of them at the opening, with the small one already sold. I was lucky, they all sold and I donated the fourth one to the Foundation for a subsequent fundraiser.

I helped with the installation of the exhibition. It was very diverse with many wonderful pieces.

All in all, I think the whole exercise was a great success. From both my point of view and the Foundation’s. Lets just hope it wasn’t all in vain!

There are already plans for the 2026 trip. Takayna/Tarkine is a large area. There will be more effort needed regardless of whether this tailings dam goes ahead or not.

I look forward to another trip.

PS I am working on getting some oils ready to list here and on Bluethumb. Stay tuned.