Look at the fig tree. 2005 Oil on Linen 750 x 1050mm $4500
It is hard not to look at the Australian fig trees. From Morton Bay figs to strangler figs, their incredible trunk and root systems always amaze.
“Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves that summer is near.” Luke 21:29, 30.
Jesus here was talking about the Kingdom of God being at hand. It is a parable about opening your eyes and really seeing the signs that are as obvious as a deciduous tree sprouting leaves.
Australian figs are not deciduous but the challenge for us is to look at all. Much of the Figures in Landscape series is about looking and asking you the viewer to see trees in the landscape differently. In a world of climate change the creation is screaming out with a new set of signs to be read. ‘The creation groans waiting for humans to be redeemed’ Romans 8: 18-25.
This painting is really only the roots crawling high over the rocks. The main trunk and leaves begin just out of the frame and claim the top of this boulder and its kingdom of light. This fig is an excellent example of the sub theme of these 2005 paintings. “… suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:4