25/01/2024
So, I landed in Australia when I was 12. My dad had some work thing going on, and my mum and I were lucky enough to tag along for the ride. Australia was like this shiny dream in the ‘90s – blue skies, golden beaches, a warm vibe, killer waves, and music from bands like Midnight Oil, Silverchair, and Smashing Pumpkins, which I was totally into back then. The whole place just felt so upbeat, with this can-do attitude that got me thinking, “Maybe Australia is the spot for me.”
We hung around Melbourne during that trip, and to be honest, I don’t remember much. Checked out some art galleries (they probably dragged me in there at that age), and I think we hit up Bells Beach outside the city. But one thing blew my mind – parrots in people’s gardens! I was kinda obsessed with parrots, hoping to get some budgies at home. And here they were, just chilling everywhere.
Fast forward over 30 years, and guess what? I’m living in this awesome country. Despite some questionable political leaders, I still think Australia rocks. Beyond all the bureaucratic stuff, it’s this gorgeous land full of crazy plants and animals. And those parrots? Yep, still hanging out in my garden. Not gonna lie, they annoy me a bit when they mess with my fruit trees, but seriously, we don’t give them enough credit. Most places, you’d have to hit the zoo for that parrot action, but not here!
So, this artwork? It’s a shout-out to the cool Australian Ringneck (Barnadius Semitorquatus), aka the Dararda in Wadandi Wongi. They deserve a bit more love, don’t you think?
