A Torii Gate Inspired Award

The Gleeson Wetlands is fast emerging as one of the hidden gems of the Clare Valley. Having been constructed only a few years ago, the native trees and grasses that surround three small lakes are starting to grow, while birdlife is increasingly being attracted to this quiet, natural haven.

Visiting the wetlands for the first time, Jules and I followed the trail around the lake area and we were thrilled to come across a striking Japanese torii gate that we later learnt was a gift from Clare’s sister city of Yoshinga. Having lived in Japan for four years previously, this traditional structure brought back plenty of sentimental memories, but even more significant to us, the gate represented a personal and symbolic connection between our past life in Japan and our future life in Clare.

I knew at some point that I would love to depict this impressive torii gate and the tranquil wetlands environment of Clare within in an oil painting. On another walk, a view across the lake eventually inspired ‘Afternoon Reflections, Clare Wetlands’.

This piece was entered into the 2017 Clare Rotary Art Show and I was particularly pleased that it was awarded the ‘Clare Valley Acquisitive Art Prize', sponsored by Senator Don Farrell. The award is given to an art piece that highlights a particular aspect of the Clare Valley region. 

With Senator Don Farrell at the Clare Wetlands