ABOUT THE ARTWORK

This painting was my response to the recent NSW mouse plague and the heartache I felt on hearing that second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) were being considered for large-scale agricultural use in NSW. Many Australian studies have found that SGARs lead to secondary poisonings of non-target species such as fish, reptiles and birds-of-prey, like these two kestrels, who ironically play a vital role in rodent control. SGARs are banned in many other countries and are currently banned from large-scale agricultural use in Australia. However they are readily available from most home-improvement stores for domestic use.

I have faith that people would use suitable alternatives to SGARs if they knew they harmed native birds. But many are unaware and it seems human nature renders us ignorant of something's value until we become familiar with it. So by painting kestrels in a domestic setting, with ornate vases and home-grown-produce, I hope the viewer starts to see the value and vital importance of our native birds-of-prey. I also hope to educate and discourage others from using SGARs. 

Billy and Coco, the two kestrels painted were both rescued wild birds receiving care with a wildlife carer. I thought the way Coco hid her precious prey with her wings was a fitting illustration for how we as humans need to value and protect our birds-of-prey with equal enthusiasm. Coco has now been released back into the wild. Billy unfortunately will had lost an eye and will remain in full-time care.

I have also included mandarines from my father's garden and our own home-grown oranges that I dehydrated this Winter, to symbolise the need to preserve our native animals. 

One simple act by us can have huge consequences for others, particularly our animal species, which I believe we have an obligation to nurture and protect.