“The Reed Bends But Does Not Break” Artist turns flood relic into inspiring keepsake

In the wake of the flash flooding that hit Canowindra last month, artist Sue Hodge was helping a friend with the cleanup when inspiration struck in an unusual way.

The flooded Belubula River had swept through her friend’s backyard cabin, rising to the height of the windowsills inside.

“The cabin was used for storage,” Sue said. “She lost photos, books and many precious items that recalled her life growing up in Germany… As we opened the door, the first thing that struck you was how much mud and silt coated everything and the thick glue-like sludge that used to be the carpet.”

But one of the first things to catch Sue’s eye inside the cabin was an art canvas lying in the mud.

“It had streaks across it where the muddy flood water had reached and run across its surface. I quickly realised that this canvas was destined for the ever-growing council pick-up pile on the nature strip. Yet this canvas had a story to tell – a story of survival,” she said.

Over the streaks of mud from the floodwater, Suesymbolically painted water reeds, known to bend in the wind and rain but not break.

She said it is a reminder of the resilience of country communities when faced with traumatic events such as floods.

“How strong are our country towns and our local people. Some have lost everything and yet say they will rebuild. Some come close to death yet say they would never leave. This painting reminds us that nature's forces, disaster and trauma may bend us, but we will not break,” she explained.

“I’d like to say, personally, how inspiring many of the locals are who have come through this latest disaster with heads held high. As well as that, the many, many helpers who have done the awesome, dirty and often thankless job of cleaning up.

“Many have lost much, but still stand. Many have been impacted, but will not be moved. I’m proud to be part of such a community that can stand when the going gets tough.”

Sue’s painting “The Reed Bends But Does Not Break” hangs in the Canowindra Gallery. All money made out of the sale will go to flood victims.