As spring is around the corner here in Australia, I wondered to myself if magpies are starting to get ready for their annual swooping season....

I must say, I found painting my magpie to be a very dynamic experience. Just like the birds: you see them sitting in a tree during springtime and wonder if they’re going to be friendly, or try to take an eye out... I always hope for the former and prepare for the latter. Given the bird is a complex creature, I wanted to capture the interplay between harmony (greens and blues) and discordant energy (the orange). That was a lot of fun, I must say...

In terms of the bird, magpies themselves symbolically represent both good and bad omens and the duality of life. I personally prefer the description of them as bringing us joy, love and lasting fortune. Because it’s nice and that’s how I roll.

I actually was stumped for a little while, trying to work out what flower to pair with it. I finally decided that the Ned Kelly grevillea would be perfect. (Ned Kelly was a famous Australian bushranger.)

It seemed like the perfect fit: grevillea’s represent strength, boldness and courage (if you’ve ever had a magpie swoop you, trust me, you realise they are really bold!), but also because Ned is one of those historical figures, which just like the magpie, you either love or despise...

Butterflies and dragonflies were included to represent endurance, change, hope, adaptability, change and life. All things that we often hope for as outcomes when we’re anticipating something.

May your anticipation be filled with positivity…

ORIGINAL SOLD.

About Kirstie Page

Kirstie Page is an Australian mixed media and enamel artist, classically trained musician and former dementia trainer with experience working on the front line in aged care. Kirstie creates beautifully uplifting artworks that incorporate her understanding of science and dementia to provide comfort and joy to people, including those living with dementia and other health conditions.