In this work, Jennifer Keeler-Milne depicts Gum Leaves, the delicate foliage of the eucalyptus, a quintessentially Australian tree known for its slender, elongated leaves and silvery-green tones. The leaves are rendered with refined sensitivity, capturing their subtle curves, gentle folds, and the way they catch the light, evoking the quiet beauty of the Australian bush.

Eucalyptus trees are deeply symbolic in Australia, representing resilience, adaptability, and the enduring connection between the land and its people. Their foliage sustains native wildlife and plays a vital role in the ecosystem, while their distinctive scent and form are emblematic of the Australian landscape.

Executed in charcoal on paper, the work highlights the shape of each leaf through dark contours that define its volume and silhouette, allowing the form to emerge as if suspended in space. Like a Chinese shadow, the leaves appear through the contrast of black charcoal against the white paper, or seem to vanish, leaving only the trace of their absence revealed by their outlines. The soft, smoky textures and blurred edges amplify the work’s tactile and poetic quality. Jennifer Keeler-Milne captures the elegance, fragility, and quiet strength of the gum leaves, offering a contemporary and sensitive celebration of Australia’s native flora.