Penumbra, 2024

There are three Angophora trees where I grew up backing onto the National Park/Darkinjung country. I am in awe of their smooth form, the twisted habit of the branches, the way the shadows fall across limbs throughout the changing seasons, and the dance of light between the leaves. We drink tea under the trees and listen to the birds. At three in the afternoon during winter, the light cast by one tree creates a minimalist shadow on its sister. I go back to them often. The more I draw them, the more my life and psyche gets interwoven with their imagery – my growing children, increasing anxiety for our climate and the natural world, and my gratitude for the awe. Amongst the light and shadow I can only aim to evoke the moments, the dance of the trees.

Jaymie is an early career artist with a Diploma in Visual Arts, Newcastle.
She has exhibited in various galleries in Newcastle and is currently showing work at MAC Yapang (Lake Macquarie Regional Gallery) and The Lock Up. She is a repeat finalist in the Hunter Emerging Art Prize (painting and sculpture) and, during 2023-24, was a mentee in the competitive mentorship program run through Newcastle Art Space. She is now based on the Central Coast/ Darkinjung land.

Through her work, Jaymie explores her relationship with the natural world (especially the Angophora Costata trees she grew up with) through an interdisciplinary approach that includes painting, drawing, sculpture and installations.