ART, NATURE & THE STORIES THAT GROW FROM COUNTRY.

We came across a wonderful children's book 'In an Artist's Garden' by Claire Orrell. It's a delightful journey through the gardens and natural environments that have inspired fourteen celebrated artists from around the world.

From Claude Monet's famous waterlily ponds and Frida Kahlo's colourful garden to David Hockney's vibrant surroundings, the book explores how nature finds its way into art.

Among this impressive international collection is Emily Kame Kngwarreye.

An Anmatyerre woman from the Utopia region of Central Australia, Emily had a profound connection to her ancestral Country, Alhalkere. Her art drew inspiration from the land, its plants, flowers, seeds, bush foods and changing seasons.

But for Emily, this was about much more than capturing the beauty of nature. Her paintings expressed identity, ancestral knowledge, women's cultural practices and a lifelong relationship with Country.

Remarkably, she didn't begin painting on canvas until her late seventies. In the final eight years of her life, she produced thousands of works, developing a distinctive style filled with extraordinary colour, movement and energy. Her reputation grew internationally, and in 1997 she represented Australia at the Venice Biennale.

It's wonderful to see an Aboriginal artist recognised alongside some of the most celebrated names in international art. Emily's place in this company is thoroughly deserved.

And there's a lovely lesson in all of this, particularly for younger generations. Artists don't always need to look far for inspiration. Sometimes it's right outside the window, in a garden, a flower, a landscape or the familiar surroundings we call home.

Emily's story takes that idea even deeper. Country isn't simply scenery; it's culture, identity, knowledge and belonging.

A beautiful children's book, a remarkable Australian artist and a reminder that some of the world's most extraordinary art begins with a connection to the natural world.