Chapter 3

A Word about the Fires . . .

I live and work in North East Victoria on a rural property surrounded by grazing paddocks that are lined with eucalyptus trees. I am based in the foothills just to the north of Mt Buffalo. Over the past several weeks, my home has been in the pathway of the fires. More than once, I received a text message and an automated phone call advising me to evacuate. I have had to watch the emergency app on my phone to see which direction it was heading. The smoke was so think -- that the sun was a blood red at dawn and dusk and I could not see the trees on the far side of the paddock. The smoke alarms in my house went off more than once . . . .

At one point, I packed the car with my precious artwork and left for Melbourne where I remained for more than a week not knowing whether my home would be there or not. The fire front had moved 20km overnight and was heading through the valley towards my house on some 40 degree days.

Fortunately in my case, the fire only came within 10 kms of the house and then changed direction. For me, I am ok and I do not need any assistance.

That is not the case for many. Not just people and their property, but for the wildlife that has been impacted. Many habitats have been lost. Of the animals that did survive and have been rescued, it will be a slow and costly exercise to rehabilitate them. Many won’t make it, adding to the estimated 1.25 billion animals that lost their lives in the fires across the east coast over the last several months.

I encourage you to get involved and be vigilant of scam donation collections.

The Creation of ‘First Lesson’ 

I really love creating artworks with Koalas as the subject, they are not just one of our national animals, they are truly unique individuals. With the fires ripping through Australia and the unimaginable damage to all wildlife and Koalas, I feel that collectively our hearts are breaking. I had made this piece back in September as part of my collection for the Morpeth ‘Painting with Fire’ event and wanted to share this video process of the artwork coming together.

Inspiration: Though Koalas are more solitary animals, they are some of the most exceptional mothers - caring for their babies and making sure they learn everything they need to know, no matter how long it takes. I wanted to show that unconditional love a mother has towards her child. Anything she can do to support them in their adventures, as a guide and a protector. I've composed this piece based on my observations, I've witnessed joeys reaching off their mother's backs to get to leaves and to see this endearing act is rather special. In an ever-changing world, perhaps this should be our first lesson in the true support, protection and love of life.

Limited Edition Prints and more information about this piece here

All or Nothing

INSPIRATION: Introducing Karl, the Laughing Kookaburra. This guy regularly hangs out in the tree outside my studio window in the afternoons, it seems to be his favourite spot! The low branches make it an ideal diving platform and he seems well versed in the art of acrobatics. It's fascinating watching him ambush anything that moves below, he has no fear in diving head first into the ground. I always have my camera at the ready to catch his next stunt; and if I didn't know better, I would say he was showing off!

Limited Edition Prints and more information about this piece here

Forty Spotted Pardalote Portrait

Inspiration: There was a viral video of a Vet pulling out 8 or so maggots from a baby bird’s face, body, and wings. The video was awful to watch but really left an impression on me, so I looked into what birds are affected by this kind of torment and I found the Forty Spotted Pardalote. I felt it was important to include on my list of what to create next.

Limited Edition Prints and more information about this piece here

Thick-billed Grasswren Portrait

Inspiration: I see so many Superb Fairy-wrens around my house and these little balls of fluff seem to have endless energy! Seeing how many there were and how many varieties I was interested to find out if there were any endangered wren species in Australia.

Limited Edition Prints and more information about this piece here

Thank You and be sure to sign up for our newsletter that includes exclusive content!