Flower Child
“Legend has it that long before the natives of Australia inhabited this land there were two sisters. It was a mystery to everyone how they came to be as no men were present. They were given the bounty of the earth in all its glory and lived daily in a world of beauty.
Before them were fields covered in large flowers and the land was lush and green with the presence of spring. One of the sisters was foraging for food and discovered a beautiful baby within the petals of a large flower. She fell in love with the baby and kept him a secret from her sister. She showered the child with all the love in her heart and despite the fact that she was not with any man, she became a mother.
However, the child grew and as the seasons changed she could no longer keep him a secret. So, together the sisters to get back his sister eighth raised this child who eventually grew to be a fine man. This man was Eagle-Hawk, the child raised by two women. At the end of his life upon earth, Eagle-Hawk was taken up into the skies and became a bright, shining star.
Eagle-Hawk was a gift from the Creator, a child that had no father. There is a similarity here to the story of Jesus in Christianity, for he too came into the world through the power of God. Jesus was God's gift to mankind.
Many years ago I visited an aboriginal healer at his home. When I was there I noticed that he had a beautiful large flower growing in his garden. When I returned home I quickly painted this beautiful flower. However, something seemed to be missing from the painting and so I put is aside.
It was only later that I realised what it meant and the pieces of the puzzle began to fit. The flower was a gift, in return for friendship I had given.
This painting is my gift to all the beautiful people who raise their children on their own without any support.
Everything that you do in life will fit in place somewhere in your journey”
- Terry Saleh (Kunge)