Visitors to Andromeda.

A nest of Square-tailed kites infront of the Andromeda Galaxy.

With a wingspan of up to 145cm, the square-tailed kite (Lophoictinia isura) is one of 24 raptor species in Australia. The majestic, long-winged bird is found in coastal areas and along inland wooded watercourses across the country, but its total population size is relatively small. In this nest you can see one less-developed runt of the same age as the more mature young. Its a perfect example of how some chicks can dominate the nest to get a better chance at survival!

Andromeda galaxy (Messier 31) is a large spiral galaxy relatively close to ours. Excluding the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, visible from my location (Southern Hemisphere) the Andromeda galaxy is the brightest external galaxy you can see. At 2.5 million light-years away, it’s the most distant thing most of us humans can see with the unaided eye.

Some more Andromeda facts?
Its diameter is approximately 200,000 light-years and it shares various characteristics with our Milky Way system. It was mentioned as early as 965 CE, and rediscovered in 1612, shortly after the invention of the telescope, by the German astronomer Simon Marius. For centuries the Andromeda Galaxy was regarded as a component of our own Galaxy as it looked much like other glowing masses of gas within the local galactic system. Only in the 1920s did the American astronomer Edwin Powell Hubble determine conclusively that the Andromeda was in fact a separate galaxy beyond the Milky Way!

The Andromeda Galaxy has an interesting history involving collisions with other galaxies. Deep surveys of the outer parts of the Andromeda Galaxy have revealed huge structures indicating that remnants of smaller galaxies “eaten” by the giant central galaxy, as well as clouds of M31 stars ejected by the strong tidal forces of the collision!
On the subject of collision, in roughly 4.5 billion years' time the Milky Way will smash into the rapidly approaching Andromeda Galaxy, and astronomers are still attempting to predict what it will be like when the two galaxies collide. Although smash may not be appropriate term as it happens over a very long period of time, but it most likely will change the structure of both these galaxies.

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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.