Rose Cockatoo in the garden - Limited Edition 2 of 10 Artwork

This image is of one of several large trees in the Rose Garden on Aldinga Road in Willunga. More often known as the Galah, I have chosen to call Eolophus roseicapilla by another of its names, Rose-breasted Cockatoo, because I believe it provides a more fitting and dignified description of the bird, which has attractive pink and grey plumage. It is common throughout Australia and is considered a pest in many areas, as is its cousin the Little Corella. However, my image shows a beautiful bird resting peacefully in arms of this magnificent tree, in contradiction of its noisy reputation. Here, the life force is depicted in a balancing position, reminding us that nature is always in balance and, when it appears not to be, perhaps we need to take a closer look at ourselves. The Money Tree series, created in 2015, was inspired by events in my home town of Willunga South Australia, which resulted in the removal of some large trees to allow for high density housing. Many birds and animals made their homes in these old trees, which had hollows for nesting and resting. It will take decades for any replacements to provide a similarly protective and welcoming habitat. In capturing images of other significant trees in the area, my aim was to raise awareness of the fact that these trees are unique individuals that play a vital role in supporting the existence of other creatures. All the birds featured live in the Willunga area. The nude figure depicted on each tree trunk represents the life force within the tree and its relationship with the animals. The question that should always be asked: Is removal of these significant trees the only solution or is there another way? After all, if they have survived in a particular location for one hundred plus years, they surely deserve to be respected. The following poem, written by my daughter Dani, expresses this concept in a beautiful way.

Old Friends
In every life there is a spirit, one defined by time, by every sight seen, by every song heard, and each with a story to tell. Dear irreplaceable friends who shared cloudy skies and dry cracking earth, who together watched the golden sun rise. Companions and care-givers, they watched over all, and would shelter any who asked. They have grown as we’ve grown, and counted the passage of time, life etched deeply into their skin. They are the givers we take from again and again, until nothing is left but their ghosts. And no more golden suns will ever be shared, no more storms will they shelter us through. Unless in this moment a new choice is made, forever gone will be the friends that we knew. Dani Ciannamea #AustralianArt #ContemparyAustralianArt

Mixed Media:New Media on Paper

Artist Produced Limited Edition of:10

Size:20.9 W x 31.1 H x 0 D in

Delivery Time:Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments.