Birds are ever-present in our landscape. They hold a place in our hearts, culture and community. Some of our local birds are very rare, and all of them are great indicator species, signaling the environmental health of a landscape. In this, birds cross the perceived boundaries of art, culture and science.
Jane Rusden’s art practice exists in these three realms. Her solo exhibition, Life on the Wing, soon to open at Artpuff Gallery in Castlemaine, is an inspiring, accomplished and
heartfelt ‘shout out’ to birds, the urgency of their survival, and the fundamental importance of their thriving.
In her work, Jane seeks to tap into our deep emotional spaces as humans and draw links with the natural world of which we are a part, using birds both as a metaphor and tangible creatures.
Jane’s background in zoology is fundamental to her practice, in all its aspects – process, materials, subject and environmental context. Her scientific knowledge very much shapes
the way she paints and draws birds on paper, using watercolour, ink, pencil and charcoal:
“Bird watching and the bird survey work I do influence the species I paint. I’m interested in the connections between bird species and their habitat, and in expressing these connections
through art materials and their interactions with water and paper, as water brings life to our landscape and paper is an organic material,” Jane said.
Particular to Life on the Wing is Jane’s focus on resilience in adversity, expressed through birds and insects.
“If given a chance to, indigenous species will flourish. So often, the pressures are so great that many species are grimly hanging on. However, Life on the Wing celebrates renewal,
resilience and adaptability. It is a show of hope and hard work in the field of species conservation, and a celebration of beauty, awe, and immersive delight in the wonder of the
natural world,” Jane said.
Life on the Wing asks us to stop, listen, think and honour the life of birds. This is an awe-inspiring show, its centrepiece, Female Gang Gang Foraging, Geebung an incredible five metres long and 1.5 metres high! Be sure not to miss it, from May 21– June 8, Thursday – Sunday 11-5, public holidays 11 – 3 pm (and online throughout).
Opening celebration Friday, May 22, 5-7pm, with speaker Kate Millar, CEO BirdLife Australia.
Artpuff is located at The Mill, 9 Walker Street, Castlemaine.
artpuff.com.au/shows/