In 2010 I visited Japan for the first time and saw so much lightness and beauty in the temple gardens. My love of blossom stems from childhood at my grandparents' property, and our annual ritual of being photographed with the almond or plum blossom.

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The lifespan of blossom is so fleeting. I've given them centre stage in larger than life tonal realist oil paintings, with heightened colours and detail. Smaller paintings depict blossom in the context of urban scapes around Adelaide, my home town and sister city of Kyoto, Japan.

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In 2013 I travelled to New Zealand to reconnect with friends there. The landscapes took my breath away. Out of madness or naivety I undertook a three day hike on the Routeburn track. At times I was on the track alone, but never felt it as the memories of those who have meant and still mean so much to me were always in my mind.