drawn to contrasts

These days landing in Newcastle, NSW and letting my eyes and ears adjust to the different patterns and sounds of nature I've been finding connections. Without intention I have been drawn to things black and white - shells on the seashore, feathers found and the striking birds - Currawongs, Butcherbirds and Australian Magpies - all black and white and with evocative songs unlike the sounds of birds of a similar size in Europe.

The textile like patterns of Zebra Top Shells of two species - with thick stripes Austrocochlea porcata and thin stripes Austrocochlea concamerata are strewn along the shoreline amongst many other sea creatures washed up after the storms earlier this week.  Below wing feathers of the Australian White Ibis - unfortunately found dead below powerlines crossing wetlands along the Hunter River.

My gathering informs my making and drawing explores the connections, more soon on where the lines lead.