Dr Megan Spiers

Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)

inspiration

Private commissions are often very personal.

This painting was commissioned by a client as an incredibly meaningful gift for his wife, whose family viewed the Laughing Kookaburra as kindred spirit to her late father.

Birds figure prominently in human mythology, symbolising everything from human emotions to the soul, embodying spirits and gods.

artist’s process

• I painted the landscape from a camping trip to Mount Kaputar National Park, New South Wales
• whenever opportunity arises, I collect artifacts like interesting fallen branches for use in future paintings