Story:

Often photographs evolve over time. Years ago, my Aboriginal friends had a vision to build a Cross on the mountain in the background of this photo. While that was being constructed, they created many tracks so they can take visitors on guided walks to teach them about their bush tucker, bush medicines and culture. They specifically made a track to this viewpoint because they knew I wanted to shoot from here. Each time I saw this ghost gum I thought it would make great foreground for an image, but one time while I was waiting for the light up here, the rocks beneath me gave away. Fortunately, I scrambled to safety with just a few scratches. Clearly that wasn’t the day for the shot I was hoping for. In the exciting days after the Cross was completed, I felt the time was right to try again, with the sun’s last rays illuminating the tree and Memory Mountain in the background. Many believe the Cross on Memory Mountain is a connection between heaven and earth. On this day, I felt the tree reflected that connection, with roots firmly planted and branches reaching towards the heavens.