The first piece I finished after settling in Australia. It’s inspired by the literal tones of this land; the rich red backyard soil and the darker browns of the ground.

Getting to this canvas was a bit of a struggle. I was trying to find my feet here, figuring out daily life and settling my boys into a completely new routine. I actually started working on several pieces before this one, but none of them felt true. Until this one did. The heavy vertical textures are broken open by a sharp, luminous band of light running through the center. That horizon line became a physical anchor for me. It’s called Grounded because it’s the exact moment I finally felt rooted in this landscape.