Woohoo - the taxes are done, so it's time to announce which bird raised the most for conservation in 2022-23. Most of my art featuring endangered wildlife includes a 10% donation to a wildlife organization. Despite the economic downturn, we raised nearly $4500 for the birds! On your behalf, I made donations to Zealandia, Forest & Bird, Kākāpō Recovery, Hihi Recovery, Capital Kiwi, Birds New Zealand/Te Kāhui Mātai Manu o Aotearoa, Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust, and the Kea Conservation Trust. Thank you so much for sharing my vision and helping support wildlife through art!
So which bird raised the most funds? Counting down to number 1, the top five are:
Sweet Dreams (ruru) - supporting Forest & Bird
"Her Mystery (tūī)" - supporting Zealandia
"His Magnificence (tūī)" - supporting Zealandia
At number 5 - "Sweet Dreams (ruru)" continues to send good vibes...
Sweet Dreams (ruru) - supporting Forest & Bird
This adorable morepork has dropped down the charts a wee bit as she's now sold out in the large edition size, except for one at Inspirit Gallery. She's super popular as a TinyArt piece, and I can't make enough of them.
Number 4 is the dark and stormy "Her Mystery (tūī)"
"Her Mystery (tūī)" - supporting Zealandia
An honorable mention last year, "Her Mystery (tūī)" makes the top 5 this year. Can you spot the sneaky kiwi that insisted on joining her?
Number 3 is our top bird from last year - "His Magnificence (tūī)"!
"His Magnificence (tūī)" - supporting Zealandia
Number 1 last year, he couldn't stay at the top forever, because as a limited edition, the prints eventually all sell out. "His magnificence (tūī)" is nearing the end of his run, with the large size now completely sold out except for one very special Artist Proof that will appear in the Forest & Bird "Feathers & Foliage" exhibition in a couple of weeks. Paired with "Her Mystery (tūī)", they make a stunning couple.
Number 2 is a surprise newcomer "I Spy (ruru)"
And no one is more surprised than this tiny ruru morepork at getting a silver medal! This tiny owl with such huge eyes looks fabulous large and small, and is especially popular as a TinyArt piece. "I Spy (ruru)" is already sold out in the large size, except for some at Inspirit Gallery and a special Artist's Proof mixed media piece in the upcoming Forest & Bird "Feathers & Foliage" exhibition in a couple of weeks, but is available in smaller sizes.
Number 1 - No surprise - it's our favourite kākāpō couple "A Hidden World (kākāpō)"
"A Hidden World (kākāpō)" - supporting (of course) Kākāpō RecoveryThese irresistible moss chickens have gone from strength to strength, and in 2022-23 even won two awards: the "Pride in Print" gold award for speciality prints and the "President's Award" at the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts "Matariki" exhibition, as well as exhibiting in Te Papakura exhibition space at The Beehive (NZ Parliament).
Based on photos of Sinbad and Hoki by Andrew Digby from Kākāpō Recovery, I set them in a magical cove that had people guessing where in Aotearoa it was (it's a cove in the Bay of Many Coves in the Marlborough Sounds). Hubby Linton came up with the name "A Hidden World (kākāpō)" after his experiences tracking kākāpō on remote Anchor Island. More recently, plans are forming to reintroduce kākāpō to the mainland, so perhaps their world won't be quite so hidden and more of us will be able to experience these incredible parrots in the wild.
The large-size edition has now sold out, but other sizes are still available in limited quantities.
Thank you for all your support - every little bit you do raises the profile of our gorgeous native birds. From liking and commenting on social media posts, to telling a friend about your favourite bird artwork, to supporting wildlife through your art purchases, it's all makes a difference!
f you'd like to know which artworks support which conservation organizations, just take a look at the back of any artwork. It's also indicated on the description for each piece in my online gallery.
Do let me know in the comments which bird/artwork is your favourite, and who you'd like to see on the list in 2024!
Aroha nui
Judi
Do let me know in the comments which bird/artwork is your favourite, and who you'd like to see on the list in 2024!
Aroha nui
Judi
P.S. If you're curious as to who came out on top in previous years, find out here.
5 comments
I have a dream….
I’m considering treating myself to a range of these beautiful birds, one at a time…..I love them all. I will need to adjust my budget, then purchase the first one, which I think maybe the beautiful Tui. I had wanted to start with lovely Mr Owl, but have will get him at a later date. Your world excites me. Be in touch in the next few weeks. Warm Regards, Lorraine Barker TeAwamutu NZ
I have a dream….
I’m considering treating myself to a range of these beautiful birds, one at a time…..I love them all. I will need to adjust my budget, then purchase the first one, which I think maybe the beautiful Tui. I had wanted to start with lovely Mr Owl, but have will get him at a later date. Your world excites me. Be in touch in the next few weeks. Warm Regards, Lorraine Barker TeAwamutu NZ
My NZ friend, Marina Steinke shared your work with me and I am happy to finally own a piece! Exquisite images!