Kangaroo Island has been in the grip of the worst drought on record. So I’ve been watching the mallee trees—the ancient masters of survival—for lessons. These multi-trunked eucalypts have enormous tuberous roots that act as a security system. When they lose trunks to fires, storms or chainsaws, they can reshoot from the tuber. So the tree above may be decades old, whereas the giant gnarly root can be thousands. Recently, some have been in retreat mode, a quiet withdrawal; first just the tips of the leaves turned brown, then the canopy, then some lower limbs were relinquished. Extravagant flowering was out of the question.

Meanwhile, our island rivers, dams and rainwater tanks ran dry, and some gardeners abandoned their vegetable patches as they desperately tried to keep their fruit trees alive. Precious fire-fighting water was steadfastly reserved. It felt like a time to retreat from the fenzy of global distractions to consider: what can I do to strengthen the resilience of my community? So I started a monthly harvest exchange, a nourishing grassroots gathering where we swap home produce, seeds, skills and a laugh. It feels like a deep, joyful return to ancestral practices.

So this artwork is a meditation on the wisdom of retreat, a reminder that the answer doesn’t always lie in growth. Let’s pause and carefully consider what should be wisely abandoned, what could be rekindled and what can endure.

Thankfully, we’ve had a little rain.

Retreat
Coastal White Mallee (Eucalyptus diversifolia) leaves, chewed by scarab beetles, and flower caps from a drought-stricken tree, linen thread and bookbinder’s gum on canvas
105 x 105 cm (framed)
White frame and circular cut matt, internal side spacers, glass and hangers
Sold via AirAuctioneer.