Kathryn Cowen

Oleilu, 2025

100 × 100 cm Acrylic and Oil on Canvas

Not Available

Oleilu is a beautiful Finnish word that I came across, which I believe means the quiet act of existing in the moment. My verge garden in inner city Sydney affords me the opportunity to at least try to do just that. The endless evolution of colours, forms and textures changes with the seasons and responds to my tinkering, but at times is also beyond my control. It surprises me with its resilience and brings me joy both personally, creatively and as an offering to my street. I have found gardening to require presence and patience, not unlike the act of painting itself.