FLORA & FAUNA – In Gondwana Land

FLORA & FAUNA – Kangaroo paw Silvereye oil painting kangaroo paw silvereye painting

POEM

Silver Eye
Julwidilang
Tauhou
The beautiful pests
Orchardists cry
Why did you not die in your nests
Perhaps you pollinate
Eat insects
Maybe you protect
Summer fruit
Bounty
Should I not wonder
Work
From the sweat of my brow
Alongside you
Wisdom to know-how
Mystery hidden
Manufacturer’s handbook
Kangaroo Paw
Spoken for

THE STORY Silver Eye

The Kangaroo Paw is West Australias (Gondwanaland Land) State’s floral emblem.

I photographed a West Australian Kangaroo Paw in brilliant sunlight, allowing the intense light to naturally underexpose the surrounding bushland. The darkened background created a striking contrast — a dramatic “wow” factor that heightened the sculptural form and saturated colour of the bloom.

The Kangaroo Paw is Western Australia’s official floral emblem, and its bold structure and vivid hues make it unmistakable in the landscape. Its design feels almost architectural — deliberate and commanding.

The Silvereye (also known as the White-eye or Waxeye) was photographed separately in New Zealand, perched among the fiery tones of a flowering plant. Its subtle olive feathers and distinctive white eye-ring added a fresh burst of complementary colour and life to the composition.

In Australia, some Aboriginal language groups have names for the bird such as Jule-we-de-lung or Julwidilang. Introduced to New Zealand in the 1800s, the bird was named Tauhou by Māori — meaning “stranger” or “new arrival.” I appreciate how names carry story, migration, and layered identity.

My goal was to create a hyper-realistic painting with vibrant colour and a shallow depth of field. I wanted to draw the viewer into a fleeting, luminous moment. In our constantly moving world, to capture a small, precious encounter with nature that so easily slips by is a moment of magic.

A small aside

In late summer, when natural food becomes scarce, the Silvereye turns to ripe fruit. Orchardists often grow frustrated at the sight of pecked and mangled produce in their crops. And so this delicate little bird earns the unfortunate title of “pest.” Yet even that behaviour speaks of survival, instinct, and design.

The wonder

The wonder of the Silvereye, for me, was watching it search with quiet determination for its favoured food — insects and nectar hidden among leaves and blossoms.

The Kangaroo Paw fascinated me just as deeply. Its vibrant, almost improbable colours and sculptural form feel beyond invention — embedded within its design is a brilliance that stretches my understanding.

Many times I have paused and wondered: how could such intricacy and beauty arise from mere accident?

Gods hand in the wonder

I continually marvel at the elegance of creation — the sciences, botany, gravity, aerodynamics — all woven seamlessly together on this extraordinary planet. To me, they whisper of a Divine hand and a masterful mind behind it all.

To believe otherwise leaves, in my heart, an emptiness — no one to thank, no source to acknowledge. There is profound joy in gratitude — in recognising and thanking the One who made such beauty possible.

I feel privileged to witness these wonders.

His love and creativity are beyond my comprehension, yet they do not go unnoticed by me.

May you marvel as I do.

The original painting now lives with my sister in Western Australia — and even her budgies seem to enjoy it.

STATUS and MATERIALS

ORIGINAL GIFTED – Reprints for sale
Artist oils on stretched, gesso primed cotton canvas. Gloss dammar varnish protection. Handcrafted, gutter mount NZ Pinus Radiata frame on NZ particleboard.
* Originals and Limited Edition reproductions are supplied with Provenance, coded Authentication of Sale Certificate, and maintenance/care information.

25 LIMITED EDITIONS “ACRYLIC ENHANCED” CANVAS REPRODUCTIONS
Please ask about the price and sizes. 

75 LIMITED EDITIONS CANVAS REPRODUCTIONS * 
Unframed sizes | 960 x short side – $960  |  650 x short side – $650
Printed on long-life archival canvas and protected with two coats of UV archival protection spray.
* Stretch mounted reproductions will incur added charges for mounting and freight.

OPEN EDITION POSTER ART PRINTS * 
Unframed sizes | 594 x short side – $120
* Posters printed on fine art papers and treated with two coats of UV archival protection spray.

FASHION and PRODUCTS

Images from “Flora and Fauna in Gondwana Land” may be exhibited on Women’s Fashions through Vida and multiple product lines at Fine Art America

SHIPPING

• Includes insurance and package/handling fees.
• The Original and Limited Edition reproductions ship with the Provenance coded Authentication of Sale Certificate and maintenance information.
• Poster art prints ship in insured tubes.

AWARDS