Pulonok – Reaching for the Sky

(Kingia australis species) Pencil and ink on paper. 765mm x 565mm U/F

Kingia australis (Pulonok or Bullonock in local Nyoongar language) appear visually similar to the iconic Xanthorrhoea ‘grass tree’ species, but although they resemble each other, and react to fire in the same manner, they are not related at all. Instead of a single tall flower stalk per branch, they display clusters of short flower stems growing from a single trunk. This work was inspired by the appearance of new growth after fire, and the contrast between these soft new shoots, fire-blackened trunk, grass like leaves and emerging flower stems.