Ironbark Triptych by Eleanor Hall
Ironbark trees were chosen as the theme for the founding artwork and branding of KSIB as they represent strength and grow true - striving for the sky. Ironbarks are prolific in the area where Kristin grew up, Warialda in Northern NSW.
Eleanor Hall, a renowned journalist, now artist, and close personal friend of Kristin, created a unique artwork series to mark the formation of KSIB. The artwork is entitled Ironbark Triptych. Eleanor’s comments on the artwork are as follows:
“As I researched this Australian native, I found that Ironbark has a strength rating that far outstrips other hardwoods like pine. Pine has a strength of Force 5; Ironbark’s is Force 27. It grows straight and true but will also bend around any obstacle and continue reaching skyward. It produces beautiful flowers and hardy gum nuts that keep it flourishing and generating new growth through difficult conditions.
My Ironbark Triptych tries to encapsulate this mix of strength and resilience in the face of danger and at the same time the capacity to nurture new shoots and to keep soaring and generating new growth.
The first painting in the triptych is in a dark, rich palette with the tree in close-up as it battles the elements and resolutely sprouts new shoots. The second painting has a lightness at a time of renewal and the third shows the ironbark forest soaring. The transition is from strength to strength through adversity with courage, conviction and care.”