Frantic Romantic
Introducing a work entitled 'Frantic Romantic' that is very special to me. Named after a favourite song of mine by The Scientists.
This juvenile rescued Satin Bowerbird was rehabilitated by my friend & bird fanatic Josh Cook. Male Bowerbirds are the ultimate romantics. They spend their days creating and perfecting a bower to attract a lady. She judges his work and chooses her favourite installation. Their bower may include hundreds of shells, leaves, flowers, feathers, stones, berries & even discarded plastic items, coins, nails, rifle shells, or pieces of glass.
Photographing this bowerbird I was curious to see how strong his drive was for the colour blue, a favourite colour for many species of bowerbirds. We placed a small milk bottle ring on the perch and what unfolded was extraordinary: he looked down & his desire even while being photographed overtook him and he picked it up & looked down the lens.
This portrait says many things to me: that he sees beauty in what we discard; that a milk bottle ring is like a wedding ring; that there is a message, humans about single-use plastic. They see beauty but we all know the devastating effects it has had on our precious planet & to protect them we need to change our habits. And I simply see an artist who is driven to find love. I wonder what it says to you?
I am donating an edition to Art of Music - a very special charity that uses music therapy to help people coping with a wide range of needs from physical and intellectual disability, autism, trauma, illness, dementia, behavioural discords and learning difficulties.
I was asked to choose an iconic Australian song to inspire an artwork. I chose the song ‘Frantic Romantic’ recorded in 1979 by Perth band (where I grew up) The Scientists. I couldn’t think of a better portrait for my chosen song.
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Art of Music is one of the most talked about fundraisers in Sydney. Held every two years at the Art Gallery of NSW. I am honoured to be considered amongst such incredible artists. You can bid now on their work or buy tickets to the event.
Oh & the Bowerbird was successfully released back into the wild.