"When Avery engaged me to create a custom artwork for their new premises, I kept a few things in mind to guide my creative process - the colour palette of the space, the ambience of the room, and the Avery patient journey," says artist Donna Buck.
"In reading about Dr Avery's values and expertise, I felt an emotional response to the deep partnership between Dr Avery and his patients, and the journey they take together.
I wanted the artwork to be as unique as each individual person, and to evoke a sense of calm and peace. Using an ancient technique called encaustic painting, I crafted the medium from beeswax and damar tree resin, then created a custom colour palette using dry pigment to complement the décor of the space. The hot medium was applied to the surface layer by layer, each fused with heat to bind seamlessly to the one below. Both the making of the medium and the organic nature of painting with it became a meditative, calming experience in itself.
Floating on the water are small representations of leaves - inspired by the beautiful floral arrangements that patients have gifted the Avery team over the years.
This piece underwent many transformations during the painting process, and I allowed it to evolve naturally into what it needed to become. Beginning as an abstract, sweeping motion, it intuitively gave way to a gently flowing stream, anchored by the quiet stability of rocks - a symbol, perhaps, of the surgical journey patients take, supported every step of the way by the Avery team."
Posted 3 June 2026