Thoughts On A Magpie
Charcoal & pastel on paper
framed in oak under glass
61cm x 50cm
$1045.00 Inc. Gst
Artist Statement
For a long time, I resisted the urge to try and recreate the magic and incandescence that is the Australian Magpie. It’s such a personal bird for me, my spirit animal, my source of consolation in times of anxiety, loneliness and grief but also my joy, happiness and wonder. Would I be able to capture the character of each bird, the glint in the eye, the boldness, the sense of playfulness, the tenderness and protectiveness they display with their young. After moving to the Hunter Valley two years ago I was delighted that my constant friend the Magpie lived in my neighbourhood in abundance; so, I decided it was time to pick up my charcoals and see what came of years of friendship and observation. After roughing in most of the sketch the eye is the first detail I draw in, then I can have a good old chat and look my Magpie in the eye whilst I give it some feathers and other details. This is when I work out what this bird is telling me about where I’m sitting within myself and the world. It’s my hope that by shining a light on the wonder of the Magpie that the fear of swooping in mating season will lessen. Drawing is at the heart of my practice. Being material driven; charcoal, soft pastels, oil pastels, graphite and ink are favourites used over surfaces varying from virgin paper to paper heavily collaged that have been flooded with pigment. My process is very organic almost conversational with my subject. My work demonstrates my love of flora and fauna and is an expression of my distress at the destruction of habitats and diminishing beauty and Incandescence in the environment.
Bio Fiona Johnson
Fiona recently relocated from Sydney to Morpeth in the Hunter Valley on Wonnarua Country. She works out of her home studio, is a regular at the Newcastle Printmakers Workshop and also a long-time member of the Willoughby Arts Centre. Drawing is at the heart of her practice but mixed media allows her ideas to take up residence on paper which is her preferred surface. She is materials driven and considers herself a multi-disciplinary artist always exploring new ways and materials to create a conversation with her subject matter. Her love of nature is her inspiration and its her hope that her work helps people engage and treasure the natural environment. She has been exhibiting in group shows since 2014 and had her first solo show called Aliferous: Having Wings in 2017, the success of this show has spurred her on to pursue her art practice and continue to exhibit. She has been a finalist in the Ewart Prize in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018,2021 and after moving to the Hunter Valley was a Finalist in the Hunter Emerging Artist Prize in 2023. She has work held in private collections here and overseas.
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