cover Trish Hart

The composition presents a vibrant assemblage of Australian wildlife, arranged within a stylized natural setting. A deep blue border frames the scene, creating a sense of enclosure and emphasizing the subjects within. The artist has chosen a high-contrast palette, utilizing intense hues of red, orange, yellow, and blue to depict the animals against a backdrop of lush greenery and shadowed rock formations.
Here we see a rainbow lorikeet positioned prominently on the left, its plumage rendered in striking detail with an emphasis on the vivid color contrasts. Adjacent to it, a spiny echidna dominates the central space; the artist has meticulously captured the texture of its quills, creating a tactile impression. To the right, a kookaburra is depicted mid-laugh, its beak open and eyes bright, conveying a sense of jovial energy.
Below these three animals, a group of penguins waddles along a sandy beach, their black and white forms providing visual contrast against the lighter tones of the sand. A platypus emerges from water near a rocky outcrop, its distinctive bill clearly defined. The inclusion of a waterfall in the background adds depth to the scene and reinforces the naturalistic theme.
The overall effect is one of celebration and abundance. The arrangement suggests a deliberate attempt to showcase the diversity of Australian fauna. The calendar designation (A Wildlife Calendar for 2001) implies that this work intends to be both aesthetically pleasing and informative, serving as an annual reminder of the country’s natural heritage. The artists choice of subjects – all iconic and readily recognizable species – further reinforces this purpose. Subtly, there is a sense of preservation implied; the vibrant depiction suggests a desire to highlight these creatures and their environment, potentially hinting at conservation concerns.