James Brown
“Shedding of
Bark”, 2023
Oil on canvas
Size: 45.5 x 35.5
cm
When Eucalyptus
(Gum) trees shed their bark, the ground below transforms into a vibrant ring of
fallen pieces, resembling a natural carpet around their base. I am fascinated
by this shedding process, particularly the striking contrast between the pale,
sometimes almost white freshly exposed trunk and the dark, crinkled russet-hued
bark that peels away and gradually slides to the forest floor. I believe (though
I may be mistaken) that this natural phenomenon helps to remove dry tinder,
which could be potential fuel for bushfires. No doubt, this process also aids
in the removal of insects and fungal infestations that could threaten the
health of the trees.
While the title
of my painting suggests that my primary focus is the shedding process itself, my
interest extends beyond just that. I am drawn to the rich accumulation of red-brown
bark on the ground and the vibrant contrast that it creates with its
surroundings. I have also
explored the “lost and found” effect of seeing trees seemingly merge with their
background, an interplay that captivates me.
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