The Sentinel – a family affair – Willy Wagtail and the pendant

THE STORY

While visiting my sister in Jurien Bay, I watched a pair of Willy Wagtails build their nest. It was such a simple scene, yet it felt like watching the essence of family and home take shape. The moment stayed with me in a way words can barely describe.

The artwork that grew from it is my way of holding onto that experience. I combined my own view with the beautiful storytelling style of Indigenous dot painting. As I painted in a hyper-realistic way, I kept imagining how Aboriginal artists might express the same scene through dots — each one carrying its own meaning and story.

• Metaphor in the family – A sentinel in the bloodline

In the gentle dance of the Willy Wagtail, we see a reflection of the human family—delicate yet vital, shaping lives and nurturing hearts. Family is the first garden where children learn to grow, guided by the care, wisdom, and love of those who came before them.

Every lesson we share, every value we pass on, leaves an imprint that stretches far beyond our own time. We can choose to sow seeds of bitterness, greed, and selfishness—or we can plant virtues of kindness, forgiveness, humility, and selflessness, allowing goodness to flourish in the world.

The God-loving heart recognises the weight of evil and injustice and stands gently but firmly against them. Children taught in this light learn to honour what is right and to walk away from what harms the soul. By feeding both the body and the mind, and by nurturing respect for the Creator of all families, we ensure that future generations will walk upon a firm moral foundation.

Within the home, siblings learn not just through words, but through the quiet example of love, patience, and peace. In contrast, a home filled with anger and fear can prolong shadows that linger far too long.

Imagine a world where different cultures come together like a single painting, embracing love, joy, understanding, and wisdom. This is not only beauty—it is harmony in accordance with God’s design, a reflection of what is meant to be when hearts choose connection over division.

Realism meets Dreamtime

I am deeply passionate about my art, a place where photorealism, metaphor, surrealism, and a touch of humour come together. I draw inspiration from the bright, simple colours of Aboriginal art, seeking to weave them into my own expressions. I aim to bridge these worlds, connecting our shared stories and honouring the wisdom of our ancestors.

Through my work, I celebrate the truth that we all belong to one human family, united beneath a single sky. Our cultures may differ, our experiences may vary, but each of us wears a unique coat of colour, symbolising our individual identity. In every piece I create, I strive to honour this diversity, nurturing understanding, respect, and the peaceful coexistence that flows from recognising the sacred in one another. Willy Wagtail artisan pendant

My use of the artisans’ pendant

It’s amazing how imagination can turn ordinary objects into stories. I chose a pendant to represent an Indigenous tale that exists only in the mind.

The pendant carries a symbolic story, diving into the heart of life, where pure intentions fuel creativity.

Picture curious hearts gathered with loved ones — at home, around a table, sharing meals, and learning from elders. In Aboriginal symbolism, “U” represents a person, while a smaller “u” shows innocent childhood. Dotted lines mark journey tracks, connecting events and family lines.

As families gather and elders share their wisdom, these stories live on, keeping generations connected and their histories alive.

Creative mysteries

Our creative work solves mysteries and brings contentment to our lives. That’s why I picked a pendant to represent the family’s story; it rests over their hearts. This continues to be a treasured inheritance for each new member of the family.

The teachings from heaven give meaning, continuity, and identity to cultures that speak from their hearts. Once these secret truths are revealed, they bring peace that cannot be explained and magnify their cultural importance.

This story transcends cultural, racial, spiritual, religious, and political boundaries.

Embedded within these wise councils are vows of liberty and tranquillity – commitments made by those who created these pendants. With each revelation drawn from this jewel, fresh marvels and glimpses of unimagined beauty are uncovered.

The Indigenous Influence Art disclaimer

My efforts to paint, study, and recreate indigenous art are humble but heartfelt. I have no intention of showing disrespect to the people whom I adore. From “The Sentinal” my Willy Wagtail artisan pendant is my best attempt to date to capture their story.

These endeavors have enlightened me with deep admiration for marginalized individuals. I respect them by borrowing from their creative intellect to blend with my Western culture’s photorealism paintings.

As an Australian citizen, I feel privileged to enjoy the indigenous people’s entertaining storytelling and artistic prowess in dot painting.

These talented people also make music using rhythmic sounds from the didgeridoos, knocking sticks, and songmakers, and display traditional dances.

I believe they are a valuable part of our heritage, and I look forward to learning more about their culture as I cross the bridge of understanding from my own.

My Godly inheritance and * disclaimer

I am full of optimism as I look forward to the remarkable contributions of Aboriginal culture in heaven. There, we will encounter a space devoid of fear, hatred, prejudice, or offense – a place where God’s creations, including Indigenous cultures, are celebrated.

God’s wisdom will illuminate the virtues of each culture and we will appreciate their abundance untarnished by superstition, fear, or partiality.

* Some may argue that I should avoid incorporating Aboriginal influences in my art as a show of respect for their sacred culture. However, I believe that my art is just as sacred and I am entitled to explore any inspiration that moves me, just like my indigenous family is free to express themselves without limitations.

I aim to honor all forms of artistic expression by integrating any source of creativity that ignites my work. Through it all, I am grateful to God for the immense diversity He has granted us.

I believe we should unreservedly celebrate each other’s unique stories and diversity while wholeheartedly seeking genuine love for one another, without any trace of racial arrogance or competition, irrespective of our skin color.

BTW, Aboriginal people often refer to white people as “whitefellas”. In Australian Kriol, “waitbala”

STATUS and MATERIALS

ORIGINAL FOR SALE   * 
Painted with professional oils, on gesso-primed long-life linen canvas with gloss dammar protection.
* Originals and Limited Edition reproductions are supplied with Provenance, coded Authentication of Sale Certificate, and maintenance/care information.

15 LIMITED EDITIONS “ACRYLIC ENHANCED” CANVAS REPRODUCTIONS – 14 of 15 left
The full size 920 x 1220 (same as original) on stretch mounted archival canvas price is $2250 inc GST
A master acrylic artist will digitally recreate the original painting and use hand-painted brushstrokes to replicate the original painting.

75 LIMITED EDITION CANVAS REPRODUCTIONS * 
Unframed sizes | 960 x short side – $960|  650 x short side – $650
Printed on long-life archival canvas. 8 color giclee printed on fine art archival paper or archival linen canvas and acrylic enhanced. Protected with 2 coats of UV archival spray.
* Stretch-mounted reproductions will incur added charges for mounting and freight.

OPEN EDITION POSTER ART PRINTS * 
Unframed sizes | 594 x short side – $120 |  420 x short side – $92
* Posters printed on fine art papers and treated with two coats of UV archival protection spray.

FASHION and PRODUCTS

Some images from “A Family Affair” will be exhibited on 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 the Sale Certificate and maintenance information.
• Poster art prints ship in insured tubes.

AWARDS