Where Will Be The Bilby?

My home is now a quarry,
Where was once untouched earth,
Whole truckloads taken in the lorry,
To figure it’s dollar worth.

The bilby (Macrotis lagotis) is a medium-sized marsupial native to Australia. At the time of European colonisation there were two species. The lesser bilby became extinct in the 1950's; the greater bilby survives but remains endangered.
Bilbies were once found across 70% of Australia. Today they're restricted to the Tanami Desert of the Northern Territory, the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of Western Australia, and the Mitchell Grasslands of southwest Queensland.
In the background of this painting is a quarry. Mining has long been a significant primary industry and contributor to Australias economy while also destroying natural habitats for many species.

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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.