I once saw your glow
As a kid I spent many happy hours at the beach and in the natural areas of Bribie Island/Yarun with my family, and as my (now adult) children grew, I was able to share it with them. This mural’s title – I once saw your glow – is inspired by a memory from when I was 10 years old; my dad excitedly rushing the family out of the holiday flat at night to see the magical glow of bioluminescence on the sand and in the waters off Bongaree.
The island is a delight in numerous ways, and the mural is a reflection on the aspects that stand out to me. From the pink umbrellas outside Savige’s fish’n’chip shop and the multicoloured stripes that conjure up beach towels, to the burst of confetti polka dots that represent the celebrations of birthday parties and beachside weddings, there is energy and joy. The more contemplative elements are seen in the grid pattern which hints at our interwoven histories with the First Nation custodians, a fishing net that is also a call to protect this beautiful marine environment; the cobalt ovals edged with turquoise capture an ethereal moment of sunlight refracting through my eyelashes as I rest on the beach, tired but happy after swimming in the surf at Woorim beach. The repeating motif of striped, blue threads throughout the mural, connecting these elements just as the Bribie bridge connects to the mainland.
It is a great pleasure to bring my appreciation of Bribie Island to North Lakes. My hope is that viewers will see this mural as an invitation to explore the many opportunities for wonder and discovery that the Moreton Bay Region has to offer.
You can see the full mural on level 2 of the North Lakes Community Centre at 10 The Corso, North Lakes.