Precarious Pardalotes 2025
Watercolour on handmade 100% cotton rag paper
Paper size 80cm x 56cm
The spotted pardalote is often heard but rarely seen as they are often at the tops of trees eating lerp, only coming down to nest, often in an embankment where they build a long tunnel with a round chamber at the end for the nest, but they have also been known to nest in pool noodles or garage doors. I tried to provide a couple of alternate nesting ideas in my painting for them. They also often visit in a mixed flock with lots of other mini birds, such as thornbills and tree creepers. I have chosen porcelain pieces which feature birds in their decoration for them to hide amongst.
While my work encompasses nostalgia, whimsy and humour, there is an environmental aspect to it too… It is an invocation to appreciate the wild things while they are still wild, and to take time to acknowledge and enjoy the little things. Please note, no wildlife is forced to eat cake or drink tea in the pursuit of my art. They are still all wild and free…
Painted as part of my contribution to the A Nest in the Hills: The Symbiosis of Women and Birds in Contemporary Australian Art at Mudgee Arts Precinct December 2025 to March 2026.