Major Mitchell Cockatoo.

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Ready to hang

$770

Artwork Details

Medium Oil, Canvas, Ready to hang
Dimensions 9.8in (W) x 11.8in (H) x 1.2in (D)
Review Stars 21,565 Customer Reviews
Original Artwork
This artwork is one of a kind!
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Artwork Description

I’ve always wondered why this cockatoo is called Major Mitchell. I mean, who was this Mitchell guy?
Well, Major Sir Thomas Mitchell was an explorer and surveyor of Australia in the 1800s and admired the species. He wrote "Few birds more enliven the monotonous hues of the Australian forest than this beautiful species whose pink-coloured wings and flowing crest might have embellished the air of a more voluptuous region." Although I don’t understand what a ‘voluptuous’ landscape would look like...

The cockatoo's scientific name ‘leadbeateri’ commemorates ornithologist Benjamin Leadbeater. Leadbeater was a London-based natural history merchant who supplied museums with specimens.

Random fact: The oldest recorded Major Mitchell's cockatoo died at 83 years old!

Artist Bio

I am blessed with being able to work full-time as a professional artist in my studio at GIGS Artists' Studios, Gateway Village, Wodonga. Although I have exhibited regularly I am always exploring new avenues including murals, some of which I've completed locally and abroad.

Two of my great passions in life are the environment and painting. Through painting I question our role in relation with nature as I seek to spread the awareness that the natural world is threatened both directly by human abuse and indirectly by overpopulation. It is obvious that we – modern society – have become increasingly detached from nature and in order to secure a place for future generations (all species alike) it is vital that we tune ourselves in with the environment and regain greater awareness of our planet and thus take better responsibility of it.

I have the belief that artists and art-making has the potential to point out the importance of environmental integrity – through speaking to emotion and passion for nature. Admiration for nature is intrinsic for all of us, yet it is something we deny or neglect through day-to-day living. As artists, we have the capability to connect with society and direct public attention. My work is intended to inspire change that may help sustain a healthy planet.

Commissions

Tracie's studio is in Albury/Wodonga