Sky & Earth Duo Ed. 7 of 25

This is a layered hand coloured print of a pair of superb fairy-wrens (in sky blue and earthern plumage). The pair is framed by the delicate leaves of our local woodland clematis species (clematis microphylla). During the breeding season, male wrens exhibit bright sky blue plumage to attract females, who in turn retain their subtle earthern colours. This artwork is inspired by the cheerful and quick-footed antics of our local fairy-wren families.

This is a limited edition of original prints (a series of 25) on 300 gsm Magnani printmaking paper, 28 x 38 cm, unframed. The print itself is 21 x 29.5 cm and is created by overprinting three different plates – a plain green ‘halo’ plate, a solar plate etching featuring the foliage, and a linocut featuring the birds on a branch – with additional hand colouring.

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I'm a printmaker, my work focuses on the natural patterns and intricate details found amongst Australia’s unique fauna, flora and ecosystems. I use various printmaking techniques to create finely detailed studies of my subjects, often within abstracted, multi-layered settings that reflect the habitats and environments of each subject.

I started my printmaking journey more than a decade ago as a way to record my observations during fieldwork in remote areas (I have a professional background in archaeology, palaeo-ecology and science communication). My inspiration is drawn from years of travel and research across Australia’s diverse landscapes, as well as from local volunteering activities. My current focus on the Canberra region and surrounding high country, and on its threatened species in particular, invites you to stop, focus on, and appreciate elements easily overlooked within the landscape – a flowering bud, a blur of feathers, or a finely flaked stone tool hidden amongst the leaf litter.