As a child I always kept birds. They have more personality and spirit than most pets, always getting into trouble around the house. In this little painting I continue on with the themes that fascinate me, the intersection of nature and the domestic environment and our personal relationships with the past, our loved ones and our keepsakes. Budgies are a a beloved pet in many homes in Australia. In arid regions the presence of large flocks is a vital clue to the presence of water. In central desert regions they can often be found in plague proportions during times of abundance, as such they are often seen as a symbol of hope, connection and shared knowledge. My little Budgies are depicted inside the home, often perched on porcelain tea cup. The tea cup is itself a multilayered symbol of polite society and a nostalgic part of Australian culture.