Painting by Tarli Bird 297 Artworks Sold

Kenyan Time 5

Mixed Media, Paper (Requires Framing)

45cm (W) x 70cm (H) x 1cm (D)

Certificate of Authenticity Included
A$1,300

Artwork Description

This artwork is part of a collection of artworks I made whilst an artist in resident in Kenya. It is a mixed media artwork on Somerset 300gsm printmaking paper.

This collection of artworks explore the process of creating memories whilst I travel. In my everyday life like many I am used to daily, weekly and yearly routines. I have a work life, family life and lucky enough to have time for passion projects or past times. At times it feels I have become programmed to think the repetitive thoughts on Monday morning starting the work week through to Sunday night after the weekend.

Whilst an artist in residence in Kenya I was located on a farm for six weeks. Instead of my everyday life routine I was instead exposed to hills of grass and vegetation. Each day I would observe the colours change and look for animals such as elephants and zebras grazing for food. As I explored the surrounding landscapes I would take photos and videos to help assist my memory.

These paintings were created over time, each day painting a few more layers of paint. Before each layer of paint I would reflect on a past day or activity. I would consider how I had felt, what colours I could use to communicate the emotions I had felt. I would meditate on memories of the landscape and tune into the outlines that were strong in my mind.
Each layer channels into a different memory. Whether it be memories from my morning watching the sunrise over Mt Kenya, or my fascination with Candelabra trees dotting the horizon on hot dry afternoons.

Artist Bio

Driven by a deep love of travel and discovery, Tarli draws creative inspiration from her surroundings—both built and natural. Her intuitive approach allows her to reimagine these environments through simplified lines, bold color palettes, layered textures, and intricate patterns, blurring the lines between abstraction and representation.

Her practice is defined by a striking contrast in materials. Tarli combines the immediacy of spray paint and acrylics with the slow, tactile process of hand sewing. This juxtaposition not only highlights the tension between speed and craft but also introduces a rich, textural dimension to her pieces.

Creativity has been a lifelong pursuit for Tarli. Growing up with a mother who is also an artist, she spent countless hours in the studio experimenting with various materials and techniques—an early immersion that continues to shape her innovative and exploratory practice today.