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Nigretta Swing

Wire on Wood
Approximate size:
W: 70cm x H: 70cm x D: 40cm
4.3kg

This is a model of our favourite tree on the Wannon river, a stone's throw from the Nigretta Falls, in Victoria. The kids spend hours swinging on a rope that's seemingly been there for decades plus.

The tree is sculpted entirely from wire on a base of bark from one of the precious old red gums on the Settlers Walk in Cavendish.

I've spent so many hours next to this tree, 'finding' the bend of the branches. The kids often came along, but most of the time it was just me and the tree and its beautiful surroundings. Nature 'comes to life' in interesting ways when you allow yourself to just be present in its quiet (not so quiet ) presence.

Birds come close enough for you to hear them nibbling on seeds. Wallabies graze in the fern on the other side of the river; you can't see them, but you hear their every move.

The biggest mob of kangaroos I've ever seen, thudded their way across the horizon one day nearing dusk. The sight of the seemingly hundreds of them , anchored in me the deep, wonderful reality that I truly am in Australia.

There were some snakes, yes. I admired one that was basking in the sun after swimming across the river. It slithered away when it saw me, as they tend to do.

On one lucky day a massive branch broke off one of the old red gums across the river. How impressive! You could almost feel it! It starts with an intriguing quiet crackle... and then... c-r-e-s-C-E-N-D-O-S(!) to a rumbling THUNDER as the branch hits the ground. And within seconds... the performance is over... with no applause.

Some interesting people, who also enjoy the serenity of solitude next to the river, wandered my way. They often stop for a quick 'g'day mate' and a chat about the wireworks. I found their interest (and sometimes their confusion ) about what was being made, rather entertaining.

Many groups of people came to have some fun on the rope while I sat in the distance, bending and observing; families, friends - even a bloke who brought his contractor colleagues for a dare to jump. (He didn't stay true to his word though; his Danish colleague walked away with wet clothes, but no $50... )

So many memories were made by the river; memories now sculpted into the form of a tree that will forever be special to me.