Inspiration: Quokka’s have become the underdog of adorable animals. With the most heart melting smile as their signature look, it is easy to spot a Quokka! I wanted to show that there are more sides to these guys; more than just a smile, but a bond between mother and child. 

Native to Western Australia, the Quokka is one of the smallest wallaby species. They are inquisitive and social, remaining in family groups. The young remain with their mothers until close to maturity. The largest remaining population (approximately 10,000) resides on the tourist destination of Rottnest Island. They have become accustomed to humans and a high percentage of Quokkas frequent human settlement areas as there is abundant food and water available. This thriving population is at risk due to exposure to human food, disease, and land development for increased tourism.

This piece forms part of a themed collection that is focused on protected, threatened, and endangered Australian species. Through the expansion of European settlement, many species have been displaced by human encroachment, changing fire patterns, victims of predation, or have been exposed to disease. Raising awareness remains as the most significant challenge in the effort to reduce these possible outcomes. These represent the absence of the existence of wildlife in their natural environments.

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