The Portal

The old wall opens to a large imaginary portal, inviting the viewer to discover the story inside. Plants hang to the sides. In the foreground are two large, well-known monumental structures of the Balmain area. The plants hanging to the sides frame the picture. In the foreground are two large, well-known monumental structures of Balmain.

A tram passes by, a nod tot he popular commuter which transported people for many years, carrying the number 2041, the Balmain postcode. A workman in blue walks down the street, a nod to the iconic mural that one featured on the wall of the original Balmain Mechanical Repairs workshop on Darling Street.

Left is Arthur Stace, better known as Mr. Eternity, who may have once strolled the streets of Balmain. In his teens his family had a house close by at 5 Moore Lane, Rozelle. Inscribing 'Eternity' in white or yellow chalk on the footpaths he travelled, he remains immortalised in the memory of residents and the history of Sydney.

To the right, we observe people in the company of others, enjoying a snack or drink at Forli restaurant. A couple of girls (modelled on the artists daughters) run happily, leaving the past behind and looking towards the future. At the same time birds cross the sky, from inside the picture portal to outside.