I started this painting with a paper cut out collage in the area surrounding the figure. This helped to set a tone of play in a style of painting that traditionally would have more serious overtones.

Subtle or perhaps not so subtle cultural juxtaposition intended in this mini series .The first: TEMPLE AND THE LEMON TREE has a hills hoist, resembling an Ancient Greek temple, painted in the background. 

The scene represents a suburban backyard typical of European migrants in Australia, where fruit trees common to a Mediterranean landscape were planted. The scent of the flowers and the fruit ensured a colorful and delicious bounty for the family kitchen table.  

In this modern icon I have juxtaposed references to antiquity, and nostalgic images of the motherland (with its cultural and historical ideals) together with the reality of a symbols of a nostalgic Australian suburban backyard.