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rust and Tears is a deeply personal work from the Blue Orchid Collection, a body of work dedicated to my father, Doug.
Inspired by the rare Azure Sun Orchid native to south-eastern Australia, the blue orchid carries ideas of trust, honesty and the rarity of true connection. Across its petals rest droplets of water — tears that speak not only of loss, but also of gratitude for having experienced a bond worth grieving.
The painting reflects on the way trust and grief can coexist: how the connections that shape us do not simply disappear with loss, but continue through memory, influence and love.
The blue orchid has since become a recurring symbol within my work, connecting trust, memory and enduring bonds across an evolving collection of paintings.
In Dad's memory, 10% of the sale price of every original painting in the Blue Orchid Collection is donated to PancIND, supporting pancreatic cancer research.
A link to Dad's memorial fundraiser is provided below for anyone wishing to learn more or contribute directly.
[In Memory of Gilbert Douglas “Doug” Whawell]
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Varnish: Two-Varnish System, Gloss
Size: 12x12 inches (305x305 mm) 1.5 inch (38mm) Edge
Frame: Oak Floating Frame
Size with Frame: N/A
