A little feature of Maiwar unknown to some readers is a lovely piece of artwork.

I am lucky enough to have a dear friend, Brooke Manning, who also happens to be a talented artist and adventurous soul.

I’m not quite sure how it came about, but it was decided that Brooke would liven up Maiwar’s cabin with a painting.

It all started with a journey seeking inspiration. Brooke liked the idea of painting some local mangroves, being a nod to Maiwar’s heritage and “the obvious choice”. So off we went, upstream, in a small dinghy, in search of inspiration. We found an unassuming little cove. The tide was just right, and I was able to get right up close for Brooke to take some photos.

After the photos were taken it was time for Brooke to start sketching and rough out her plan.

Then, one day, she set to work. As with everything of value, it didn’t happen overnight. Over the course of a few months, when time was available, Brooke would come down to the boat and create. It produced a wonderful atmosphere, while I was working away on one thing or another, Brooke would be tucked away in the cabin, quietly painting. There was something pretty special about working in quiet, creative company.

Brooke and I share a real appreciation for the mangroves that line the banks of the Brisbane River, and the ecosystem they define. She had this to say:

“Spending time on the river looking at the mangroves became something I looked forward to. It’s mesmerizing floating by stretches of them. They are such a lush and unique species of plant. If you look for long enough you might spot an electric blue kingfisher, mud crab or pollinating bees.”

Not long before Maiwar went into the container, Brooke put the finishing touches on her work, and I couldn’t have been happier with the result! The bright colours really add another dimension to the feeling inside her cabin, and the significance of the mangroves really bring it all back around.

It really does reaffirm my view that we all need a bit more art in our lives, whatever form it may take.

Bravo Brooke, thanks a bunch!

Artwork