As a bird photographer, I aim capture a bird’s personality through my photos, which is what I recreate through my paintings. Lorikeet Pandemonium is a vibrant snapshot of the interdependence of birds. This painting shows their bond whilst simultaneously shining a light on their unique, individual personalities as they pause their next move. Together they form a striking group but each individual bird is in the midst of its own journey.

The birds on this branch make me smile, they look so openly at each other, and you can almost hear the volume of their conversation. They make me think of a family after mealtime, sharing stories of their day. I chose this artwork because it reminds me of long walks in the Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, where the lorikeets are such a feature. The vibrant and colourful detail in the painting, together with its blossoms and butterflies, gives me an impression of strong relationships, raucous laughter and good times to come. And, I am still smiling!