The SS Avon Bribie Island

SS Avon Shipwreck Bribie Island. Original for sale on my website.

In this work, I sought to capture a serene yet vibrant moment spent with family, where the beauty of nature intertwines with the remnants of history. The setting is Bribie Island, where we floated past the hauntingly beautiful wreck of the SS Avon. This sunken vessel serves as a poignant reminder of time’s passage, inhabited now by a lively family of pied cormorants, whose presence adds life and movement to the scene.

The Glass House Mountains rise majestically in the background, their distinctive peaks anchoring the landscape in a way that evokes both awe and tranquility. Through this juxtaposition, I wanted to illustrate the harmonious coexistence of man-made structures and natural beauty, reflecting the resilience of nature and the ongoing dialogue between humans and their environment.

The figures gathered on the shipwreck convey a sense of leisure and connection, much like the essence of family itself. They are suspended in a moment of joy and exploration, surrounded by the breathtaking vistas that remind us of the world’s vastness and intricacies. This painting is not just an observation of a scene; it is an invitation to reflect on our relationships—with each other, with nature, and with the stories embedded in our surroundings.