Original artwork description:

My painting ‘Deep Creek Conservation Park’ was inspired by the beauty of this part of southern South Australia, particularly in winter when the landscape is wonderfully green.

Located 100 km south of Adelaide, Deep Creek Conservation Park is the largest portion of remaining natural vegetation on the Fleurieu Peninsula and is home to an array of native wildlife such as western grey kangaroos, short beaked echidnas and 100 species of birds that can be heard and seen while walking in the park.  Whales can be seen cruising the coast during their annual migration which takes place from June to October.

Established in 1971, it covers an area of 571 hectares.

The Aboriginal people of the southern Fleurieu Peninsula fall into two language groups, the Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri. Dreaming stories from both groups illustrate a deep spiritual connection to the land.

The creation of land formations on the Fleurieu Peninsula are illustrated through dreaming stories. The Kaurna dreaming story of Tjirbuk highlights the creation of the western side of the Fleurieu Peninsula.

The Ngarrindjeri focus on Ngurunderi, who, while on his journey, created many landforms which we can now see along the River Murray and the south coast. These landforms were made while he was travelling along the river and coastline in search of his two wives, who had run away from him.

Aboriginal peoples have occupied, enjoyed and managed the lands and waters of this State for thousands of generations. For Aboriginal first nations, creation ancestors laid down the laws of the Country and bestowed a range of customary rights and obligations to the many Aboriginal Nations across our state.

Materials used:

oil paint