Tracey-Maree Smith First creek, Redhead Beach

I believe we are all connected to the land: she does not belong to us; we belong to her. When I am alone and consciously engaged with her, I feel this connection intrinsically. Being in the landscape is a spiritual, meditative experience for me and I paint intuitively to convey this connection. I use many layers of paint that I build up and then peel away as a visual metaphor for our relationship with the ever-changing earth and for our own continual transformation. Redhead Beach is my home. I walk on her shores daily; my children swim in her waters every summer. This painting is about my emotional connection to this beautiful place.

- Tracey-Maree Smith, 2016