Vote #1: Brush-tailed Phascogale
Brush-tailed Phascogales are nocturnal and rarely seen. However, numbers are declining and threats such as habitat loss, fragmentation and feral predators, are putting it at risk.
After a chance meeting with Jackie Mahood, Bush Heritage's Hamelin Station Stay Manager, I was invited to be the first Artist in Residence at Hamelin Reserve on Malgana country in Western Australia.
Being an established artist with a passion for the natural environment, this was a dream opportunity to immerse myself in my art practice without distraction while promoting Bush Heritage Australia.
I was provided with a fabulous studio where I was free to paint, experiment and explore my creativity for four weeks in a stunning nature reserve.
During my residency at Hamelin I welcomed over 50 guests to my studio including: The Denham Art Group, campers, Bush Heritage staff, University Science students and lecturers, neighbouring station owners, volunteers, family, friends and hosted a private workshop.
I completed a written dairy, a 40 page visual journal, 500 photos for research, plein air sketching, started seven paintings and many smaller artworks.
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A restored out building became my studio for four weeks
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I started seven paintings and many smaller artworks during my residency Photo by
I relished exploring spinifex country, the Mini Ritchie grove and Flint Cliff Gully and visiting the original site of the homestead at Hamelin Beach. I also took great pleasure in joining in the evening walk and talk with Ken and Michelle Judd, the Hamelin Reserve Manager and Field Officer.
I learnt so much about biodiversity, threatened flora and fauna species, history, goals and practices of Bush Heritage Australia, and researched Hamelin Pastoral lease history, Shark Bay History, Hamelin Herbarium to ID flora, local Aboriginal history and culture. ·
The outcome of my time at Hamelin is my solo art exhibition which will be held from October 16 to October 18 2021 at my outdoor gallery at Sunset Beach, Geraldton. I will showcase my latest collection of paintings and mixed media works inspired by my residency at Hamelin Reserve.
This residency has been pivotal for my art practice. Being able to immerse myself in creativity at Hamelin Reserve has given me the chance to explore my art practice on a whole new level.
I believe science and art are closely interconnected and the possibility to promote Bush Heritage through art has huge possibilities for the future.
Thank you to Ken and Michelle and everyone who contributed to making this such a worthwhile experience for me. A very big thankyou goes to Jackie Mahood who had a magnificent vision and brought it to fruition.
