“Sanctuaries” is a series inspired by my personal connection to Brisbane’s Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha: a place I return to whenever I need restoration, quiet, and reconnection with the natural world. Walking through the gardens, beneath the canopy and amongst the layered textures of tropical plants, I am reminded of the importance of slowing down and allowing space for reflection. The gardens offer more than beauty; they create a sense of belonging within something larger and enduring, where nature becomes both refuge and perspective.
The women within these works are portrayed in flowing gowns, resting peacefully within the landscape as symbolic extensions of contemplation, softness, and presence. Their stillness contrasts with the pace and demands of contemporary life, inviting viewers to consider the value of rest, emotional renewal, and immersion in natural environments. The gowns introduce an intentional sense of grace and reverence, elevating these quiet moments into something ceremonial and deeply felt.