‘From South Wales to New South Wales’
Its spectacular scarlet flower, rising on tall stems and clustered among bushes, the Waratah (Telopea speciosissima) is both the state and floral emblem of New South Wales.
Found across patches of sandy loam in the Sydney basin, the Central and South Coast districts and the Blue Mountains, it flowers from September to November, heralding springtime.
I created this piece to mark my time in Sydney since moving in November 2024, knowing full well it is impermanent.
The Waratah is a symbol of strength, courage, healing and support, qualities that have shaped this season in Sydney. From growing up in South Wales, UK, to building a life here in New South Wales, Australia, this move feels like stepping into an alternative life I might have taken at the age of 14.
Only now do I get to live out this alternative reality once imagined.
The Waratah:
beautiful,
seen from afar,
from the land of the Eora people