Hello again,
 
The beautiful teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh were on my mind as I made this piece. He encouraged us to contemplate the impermanence and interconnectedness of everything – I see both within this artwork:
the mighty tree that grew for many decades, generating life-sustaining oxygen;
the clouds that carried rain from across the sea, to run off the leaves and into the earth;
the insects who marked the leaves in myriad ways as they went about their mysterious business;
the wild westerly wind that brought the tree crashing to the earth, along with a masterful nest;
the sun that slowly coloured the dying leaves with its daily rays;
the damp living earth that I knelt on while I gathered the fallen leaves;
the birds who entertained me with their calls, and would warn me if a snake appeared;
the rhythm of my footsteps and my breath as I carried the overflowing tub back up the hill;
the music and voices streaming into my studio from around the world, and the silence;
more rain from the clouds in my teacup, gifted from a dear friend;
my eucalypt-scented hand holding the needle;
and the teachers, loved ones and community who help to sustain my life.

The connections will continue with the person who welcomes the artwork into their home:
the wall that it hangs on;
the light through the window;
and the feelings that it awakens in their heart.

“When you touch one thing with deep awareness, you touch everything.” Thich Nhat Hanh

Best wishes,
Janine Mackintosh
Assemblage Artist
Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Everything
Purple-flowered Mallee-box (Eucalyptus lansdowneana ssp. albopurpurea) leaves and flower caps, linen thread and bookbinder’s gum on canvas
105 x 105 cm (framed)
White frame and circular cut matt, internal side spacers, art perspex and hangers
Sold via online auction for $12,500 (Aus).