“Red Stag of Birregun” was painted in Victoria’s high country and Melbourne during 2022 and 2023. It celebrates the Red Deer which are a common sight in Birregun, Cobungra, Omeo and surrounding areas. While this introduced species poses some environmental issues, it is nevertheless a magnificent and prominent member of the alpine community. Foliage and flowers in the stag’s antlers include various Asteraceae wildflowers commonly found at Mt Hotham and surrounds across the Spring, Summer and Autumn seasons; including the white Silver Daisy (Celmisia sp), purple Spoon-Leaved Daisy (Brachyscome spathu), and the rich yellow and orange Orange Everlasting (Xerochrysum subundulatum). Perched atop the antler is a Scarlet Robin which is seen from early Spring at Hotham.

This piece was completed for the “Gather Together” exhibition at the Salamanca Arts Centre’s Long Gallery in Hobart, during the Dark Mofo festival of 2023. Curated by Fort Heart Co.