The journey of ‘Habitat’
Header: Yellow-tailed black cockatoos
Having lived all of my life in various communities on the east coast of Australia, coastal ecosystems have been a big part of my life.
To me, nothing quite compares to the beauty of Australian coastlines, a rich tapestry of diversity, and irreplaceable sanctuary to an array of native flora and fauna.
Travelling overseas, I could never be seduced by a barren coastline lined with high-rise apartments and concrete boardwalks, rather than beautiful shrubs, trees and grasses filled with the sounds of insects and native birds.
One particular species that will always hold a special place in my heart, is the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo (Callyptorhynchus funereus), a native Australian bird frequently seen gracing the dunes.
I wanted to put this species front and centre as part of this artwork, surrounded by the plants they are seen commonly feeding on and perched amongst, such as the Banksias.
As our human presence has expanded across coastal Australia, coastal ecosystems have become vulnerable to clearing for further development, the impacts of invasive weeds, and vandalism particularly for view enhancement, with Banksias often a targeted species.
But thanks to the work of local communities and councils protecting these places through volunteer programs like Bushcare, Dunecare and Landcare, access to caring for these places is helping to protect them.
I wanted to capture the beauty of a scene I am lucky to see amongst the dunes almost daily living here on the Sunshine Coast, one that I hope endures.
As the sun sets, cicadas sing amongst the trees, insects buzz in the canopy, the breeze rustles branches as ocean waves crash in the distance. Cockatoos chatter while they feed on the seeds of the Banksias, fluttering between branches, eventually taking off in search of more food.
This work is a celebration of the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo and the places it relies on for habitat. Habitat we are all responsible for looking after and caring for, so that such beauty continues to exist in this world.
In October 2023, I produced this piece and entered it into the ‘Biodiversity of the Sunshine Coast’ exhibition which was hosted by ECOllaboration and Sunshine Coast Council at the Arts and Ecology Centre at Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden in Tanawha. Artworks needed to tell the story about biodiversity on the Sunshine Coast, and Dr Sue Davis, an environmental educator, facilitator, guide and artist, was the judge of the competition.
This artwork won First Prize, which I am absolutely thrilled about, and so incredibly grateful for.
Me with ‘Habitat’ framed
Measuring 100 cm x 65 cm (artwork size), ‘Habitat’ is a lino print carved on silk cut linoleum, hand drawn and carved over 49 hours.
Printing takes an additional 1-1.5 hours to prepare and hand print, on 36gsm Japanese Awagami Kitakata paper using quality oil-based inks.
This series is a limited edition of 20 prints.
All prints are sold unframed and come with a certificate of authenticity.
