Stickybeaks at Smoko – Curious Australian Magpies Vegemite Bush Nostalgia

Stickybeaks at Smoko celebrates the humour, curiosity and unmistakable character of everyday Australian life. Three inquisitive Australian magpies peer through an old timber window, inviting the viewer into a light-hearted moment that feels instantly familiar to anyone who has lived in Australia. Their playful expressions capture the cheeky personalities these iconic birds are famous for, transforming an ordinary encounter into a memorable story.

Set against a brilliant blue Australian sky, the vibrant native banksia, well-loved jar of Vegemite and a steaming mug of tea evoke the rituals of an authentic Aussie smoko. The weathered window frame suggests memories of country homes, beach shacks and quiet mornings where native birds become unexpected companions.

Rendered in Tracey Esteves' distinctive contemporary Australian style, the work combines bold colour, expressive linework and graphic patterning to celebrate Australia's unique wildlife and cultural identity. Balancing nostalgia with humour, Stickybeaks at Smoko reminds us that some of Australia's most treasured moments are the simplest—sharing space with nature, enjoying familiar traditions, and finding joy in the everyday.

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"Tracey Esteves is a premier Australian contemporary artist whose work serves as a vibrant bridge between nostalgic Australiana and modern Pop Art. Based in Sydney, Tracey's practice is defined by a deep fascination with the 'Spirit of Place'—capturing the icons, architecture, and everyday rituals that shape the Australian identity.
Drawing from the principles of Formalism and Post-Modernism, her paintings are characterized by bold, graphic silhouettes and a sophisticated use of saturated color. From the industrial beauty of the Manly Ferry to the kitsch charm of backyard biscuits, Tracey elevates familiar cultural symbols into high-impact visual narratives.
Her work is held in private collections across Australia and internationally, appealing to collectors who seek art that is both intellectually grounded and visually electric. When you own a Tracey Esteves original, you are not just hanging a painting; you are preserving a piece of the Australian soul."