Belinda Hall - Under Construction

Belinda Hall
Under Construction
Paper Size: 40cm x40cm
Image Size: 30cm x 30cm
Original linocut
Gamblin oil-based ink printed on white Japanese rice paper.
Limited edition of 25

Artists Statement

As a child I was always fascinated with the model kits that my twin brother would piece together. He would twist and release from the surrounding sprue small components and glue together amazing models of Spitfires and Messerschmitt’s. Animated by a breeze through an open window, the planes would come to life by circling and spinning as if in a dogfight, held only by flimsy thread. To change an environment, by building, shaping and grouping sections together has always intrigued me and this memory inspired me to draw, carve and print this new piece for the Threatened Species Project.

Instead of propellors, fuselages and circular decals this work features kunanyi and the simple elements we can bring into our own backyard to construct an environment that provides the habitat features the Eastern barred bandicoot needs while also attracting a range of other native species too. Creeping urbanisation of new building can have a devastating impact on the natural environment, and we can build and model better solutions. In my model kit I have included a clump of native grasses, blackwood, leaf litter, round gumnuts and an Eastern billed honeyeater. There are small things we can do to create a safe sanctuary for these unique bandicoots that are often referred to as ‘ecosystem engineers.’ These mammals play an important role in maintaining soil structure and through digging and foraging they create healthy, functioning ecosystems. Building a habitat to support Eastern barred bandicoots really is ‘child’s play’.
This work was submitted by the artist as part of Wild Island's biennial Threatened Species Project. Proceeds from the sale of this work have been donated by the artist and Wild Island to organisations directly working in species support.

Threatened Species Project
A  WILD ISLAND EXHIBITION RAISING AWARENESS OF TASMANIA'S THREATENED SPECIES

There are 683 species of plants and animals, including insects and other invertebrates, on Tasmania's Threatened Species List. Yes, there are the iconic ones so many people know about, but there are numerous species that are tiny, little known or ‘less attractive’, which are no less important to our rich and varied eco-system. This new exhibition will expand our understanding of the range & diversity of threatened species and educate of their plight. It also aims to raise much needed funds to go towards their support. It’s a small thing we can do during an age of climate change, mass species decline and habitat loss.

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