Emma Coombes
The Eyrie
Digital Illustration
40cm x 40cm
1/25
Emma Coombes - Artist Statement
Specifically created for the Wild Island Threatened Species project these images are digital compositions based on photography taken around my home in Southern Tasmania. Using original photographs to create the basis of the composition applying layers of intricate and detailed brush strokes using digital painting and illustration techniques in a pastel colour palette. The subjects used are iconic and easy to recognise. In my catalogue of 12,000 photographs, these are the only images of species under threat.
The absences underlining the risk to others on the list. I have a background in graphic design, drawing and painting and use my photography and illustrative skills to create composite images and digital paintings. My work focuses on celebrating the beauty and wonder that nature inspires. I do this to highlight the space that the natural environment brings to our minds. A respite and returning to the earth. Memories of times and places when we believed magic was possible. Passionate about our natural environment and the species we share it with. Tasmania’s unique creatures and habitats form the inspiration for my work. I promote their beauty in hope that we recognise our own need in their plight and allow our environment to not merely survive, but to flourish. All prints in the series are museum quality using 310gsm cotton rag and archival inks.
This work was submitted by the artist as part of Wild Island's Threatened Species Project 2023. One third of the proceeds will go to Tasmanian Orchid Conservation & Research Program and the Swift Parrot Surveying & Monitoring Program (in conjunction with BBF, TWS and GRANT) and will continue to support Friends of The Orford Bird Sancturary.
In 2022 these organisations were Friends of The Orford Bird Sanctuary and the Miena Cider Gum Recovery Program.
Threatened Species Project, 3rd October - 5th November 2023
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.