Trofeo Estate commissioned a series of six paintings by local artist Vegas Fitzmaurice, they depict the six indigenous seasons of our region.
Through thousands of years the original First Peoples of Australia have shared the land with the wildlife and the stunning plant life it hosts. The Boonwurrung area has been home to many of these such tribes as the area along the area along the coast affords a vast assortment of food and shelter.
Together these elements have created a sustainable ecosystem like no other place on earth. Indigenous ancestors understood the seasons of the year, where to forage and hunt, camp and live, which allowed them to exist in harmony with the country they knew so well. They used all seasons beautifully through the knowledge each generation valued and passed down.
TRIBES understood that using TIME AND CHANCE would provide for their people.
TRIBES knew that TIME AND CHANCE was the way to give their people the highest chance of survival.
TRIBES knew that TIME AND CHANCE was the only way to become the longest known living culture on the planet.
THIS IS ‘TIME AND CHANCE.’
Bountiful Harvest
Gathering around abundant water sources allowed first nation people to hunt and fish during the hottest part of the year. Kangaroo season was well into swing as they also became a valued food source. The long grass and the summer vegetation spread throughout the coastal areas and valuable shell fish and ocean life sustained all within the area. Shown within this piece is the vibrant colours of the east coast, aquas, greens, turquoise and the array of blues turn as the waves break onto the power white sands. Humans for thousands of years have walked on country here and the footprints pay respect to generations past and present. Kangaroos are represented as they are native to the area and vital to the ecosystem. The lush native growth is able to grow and flourish through the harshest of conditions the hot months can offer. The coastline in this area is breathtaking.
Illuminate the Sky
Towards the end of the summer as the heat mixes with the pressure coming off the nearby ocean the electricity builds and the sky features mind bending light shows. Elders used this season to back burn the overgrown scrub and the tussock grass that had become wild over the hot period. The intense deep blues of the sky mixed in with the rich purple hues give the piece depth and emotion that the bolts will no doubt give the viewer an immediate response. At this time of the year some of the native berries grow and flourish as the colours show in this piece. The heavens open up and the most devastating and brilliant lightning storms fill the coastline often during this time.
As the Leaves Turn
As the ground is still warm from the summer months the growth of the region is plentiful and vast spreading. People gather together as they follow the path and journeys of the ancestors who walked on country before them. Tracks lead from the gatherings as the rocks underfoot map through the countryside. The dusty reds and earthy colours dominate the area as the people prepare for the rapid drop in temperature and rains that will no doubt soon be upon them. The auburn pathway tracks through the vineyard as the leaves change tones and start to drop. The purple hues, burnt orange and terracotta shades fill the area giving the stunning region depth and complexity. Line work and bold tribal markings respect the texture of the land and people who walk on it.
Soak the Soil
As many of the creeks and rivers flood and reach the highest parts of their banks, and the flat low lands are wet and cold. Mobs moved to higher ground and looked for shelter and warmth as they hunted further into the hills for possum, wombats and grubs within trees. The heavy rainfall is often torrential and encompassing at this time of the year as this piece shows through the detailed movement and the washing of the paints. Deep winter sentiment here is driven with movement and clashes of storms, rains and even at times snow fall. Hard to look away from this wet and cold piece forces the viewer to feel the need for a warm fire and a dry possum skin wrap like the Elders before them.
The New Growth
The golden bloom is now in full swing as people move to the lower lands of the area. The pre spring time temperatures begin to rise while many of the native ducks, wild fowl and birds lay eggs that often provide food for many of the indigenous inhabitants. The vines on the vineyard lead the way back toward the meeting places and the setting sun in the distant hills. The climate is now starting to turn and it begins to rise for impending spring. Much of the seeding during this time will allow for the food and flower life to drive deep into the springtime as a rich source of beauty and sustenance.
Flower and Flourish
This is a time of plenty. Flowers, root vegetables and greens are in abundance. Lilies, orchids are several of the flowers that can be spotted all through the country. Bird life hit the skies including the wedge tailed eagles that populate the area. The lake is full and provides a drinking hole for many of the native animals along with providing a home for many of the fish within it. A stunning time of the year lush and colourful is shown in this piece as spirits soar along with the temperature.