Rainforest stories

By Madeleine Murray

WHAT DO you do when your partner of 45 years dies and you find yourself alone, retired and with a huge gap to fill? You start to paint, of course!

One day, Brenda Bryant noticed art classes advertised at the Murwillumbah Visitor Information Centre.

She had always enjoyed drawing but never had any formal training, so she signed up for Andy Reimanis’ art classes and learned to paint.

Seven years on, Brenda has developed a respected body of work.

Drawn to the magical beauty of the misty rainforests, she captures their disturbing brooding edginess.

The towering trees and tangled roots are magnificent and beautiful but can also be dark and threatening.

This exhibition of 11 exquisite oil paintings reveals her deep love and fascination with this unique environment.

“I hope you can feel the majesty of the forest and the cool spray of the cascade on your face,” Brenda said to The Weekly about her painting Rainforest Cascades.

Brenda has been in group shows on the Gold Coast and permanently exhibits with Mist Gallery in Cabarita. This is her first solo show.

Rainforest Stories opens at the Uki Post Office at 6pm on Thursday, March 2 and ends April 12.

The Uki Post Office and espresso bar is open

7am-5pm weekdays, 7.30am-12.30pm Saturday and 8am-12.30pm Sunday.

March already feels bold energetically, and it’s only just begun! Personally, it’s a busy birthday month of friends and family members, including my dearest, departed Dad, who would’ve celebrated his 82nd today (Thursday). I am still deep in grief at his passing, tears welling in my eyes even as I write these words. Communing with his spirit in my mind, I ask his advice daily, and am grateful for his chosen spirit-animal, the kookaburra, as they cackle and chuckle in response to my questions at such poignant moments throughout the day. Whether I’m in Murwillumbah or home on the hill, the synchronicity is undeniable, strengthening my sense that he is truly everywhere, and nowhere, all at once. If I quiet my mind, I can hear his voice and sagely wisdom. It doesn’t matter if this is a figment of my imagination. He is entwined in my DNA and encoded in my character. We are kindred souls. I find myself becoming more like him as I mature, particularly in this new incarnation of Allira, the multiple business owner! Dad always said your

40s were your glory years. It was certainly his most successful decade …though with his vast and various endeavours it’s hard to pick a winner, and depends on the metrics of measure. I must’ve subconsciously set this decade as my goal to step into the light. With so many fantastic films and our huge line-up of amazing live music coming up – Mama Kin Spender Friday!!! – I’m feeling inspired that dreams are manifesting. I even had a chance to sing with Mohini Cox last Friday, and look forward to jumping up again, sharing my voice in another form. Showbiz seems like glitz and glamour from the spectator’s perspective, but behind the scenes it’s hard work, difficult decisions, and surprise obstacles. I draw strength from my father’s ever-present spirit, my marvellous mother’s support, and laugh along with the kookaburras when feeling overwhelmed. Jex Lopez’s cathartic performance piece last Friday showed us explicitly – you gotta laugh… or you’ll cry… and that’s ok, too. Feel it all – these are big times!