Inspiration: Growing up in the wild, it is survival of the fittest and you have to learn quickly: which may seem challenging for one of Australia’s most laidback natives. Coming into teenage years the Koala starts venturing out on their own and learning for themselves what it’s like to forage among the treetops. Sometimes the best teacher for life is life itself. Falling out of the tree will teach you how to climb it better!

Koalas spend almost all of their day high in the treetops of Australia’s eucalyptus forests. Juveniles, referred to as ‘Joeys’, gradually develop their independence from their mothers by venturing out more and more, knowing mother remains close by to help build their confidence. Although they have natural instincts to rely on; they are still taught what is safe to eat, where to climb, and how to interact socially. Interference through the destruction of natural woodlands by land clearing and fires that destroy the forest canopy are among the most critical events impacting their survival.

Artworks by Maegan Oberhardt highlight many species of wildlife native to Australia. This piece forms part of a collection of artwork that expands environments, composition, and the use of compatible media within the piece. The primary connection within her art is in the technique. It is man-made fire burning paper (which is a by-product of trees). This comments on the conflict between man and nature. The result of that conflict is that most wild species are directly impacted by man’s carbon footprint.

This series has specifically utilised heat, flame, and soot to achieve the varying golden browns and charcoal greys present in the finished artwork.