Australia's national flower, the wattle, symbolises unity, resilience and the spirit of the Australian people. An exhibition celebrating wattle days by local botanical artist Fiona Lenord will be presented at Braemar Gallery from August 29 to September 29. / (min cost $ 0 ) or signup to continue reading "I really adore this flower," said Lenord.
"These joyous bombs of yellow and gold are a welcome sight during the greyer months of July and August. Here in the Blue Mountains the explosive colours of wattle give a warm welcome as you meander up the mountains along the highway." These joyous bombs of yellow and gold are a welcome sight during the greyer months of July and August.
Lenord's exhibition of paintings and prints will showcase just a few of the local wattles seen throughout the Blue Mountains area. "There are over 1000 varieties of wattle trees in Australia, and many are now endangered. I'm trying to capture the beauty of wattle in my art, and hopefully share this love with others.
" Lenord also discovered more about wattle's place in Aboriginal culture. "I learned that wattle has long played a vital role in traditions, rituals and daily life. Wattle seeds .
.. are rich in protein, fibre and nutrients like potassium, magnesium and iron, and have been a staple food source for Indigenous Australians for thousands of years.
Wattle is a powerful symbol of endurance, spirituality and connection to land." After growing up in the Hawkesbury area on a fruit orchard, Lenord moved to Sydney and worked as a textile designer for 22 years, specialising in floral designs - "some people may recognise my early work in their Sheridan quilt sets" - she laughed. In 2011, she moved with her family to Springwood, where she found botanical inspiration in abundance.
But it was during the pandemic lockdown that her passion for creating personal, standalone artwork was reignited. National wattle day is celebrated on September 1. Fiona Lenord's will be at the Braemar Gallery, .
Thursday-Sunday 10am-4pm. Join Lenord plus Fay Graham's and Anita Swanson's at their joint exhibition launch on Saturday, August 31, 2-4pm. Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date.
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