Wonders of Western Australia

by | Nov 28, 2016 | Projects, Wildlife illustration | 11 comments

esa-bag-design-2016-final-small

This morning, I’m feeling a bit sad that I’m not in Freemantle, Western Australia. The opening sessions have just started at the Ecological Society of Australia‘s annual conference, with a buzz of ecologists: old and young; enthusiastic and weathered; well-published and freshly-minted… but all fascinated by the natural world and its intricate interactions.

I’ve always found these conferences to be inspiring, stimulating, and a great opportunity to catch up with old friends, and make new ones. The Ecological Society of Australia is committed to nurturing the next generation of ecologists, so large numbers of post-grad students always brings a freshness and energy to these meetings. I have been a direct beneficiary of the ESA too – receiving awards and travel grants as an ecology student that really boosted my morale and allowed me to meet and listen to many other scientists who became my friends and mentors.

This year I can’t be at the conference, but I’m there in spirit. The ESA commissioned me to create an image for this year’s conference bag, and I had a lot of fun drawing some of my favorite Western Australian plants and animals. I also added some diagrams, symbols and even an equation that relate to the science of ecology. How many can you spot? And how many species do you recognize?

Some conference delegates have taken to Twitter to express their appreciation:

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https://twitter.com/floraskates/status/802879054261063681

Thanks Bronwyn and Laura [icon icon=icon-smile size=14px color=#000 ]. I’m always thrilled when people enjoy my artwork. And when people recognize species, it’s like having a conversation…

Thanks ESA, and have a great conference in Freemantle!

 

 

11 Comments

  1. Carol
    Carol on November 28, 2016 at 8:48 pm

    Gorgeous artwork Paula. The more you look the more you see (just like nature!). Wish I could be at the conference, too.

    • Paula Peeters
      Paula Peeters on November 29, 2016 at 8:52 am

      Hey thanks Carol! Yes I always get rather drunk on new information when I go to an ESA conference – and come back with my head spinning. A good way to be though 🙂

  2. Annette
    Annette on November 29, 2016 at 6:23 am

    This bag is just glorious Paula, you should have a range and offer them for sale along with your post cards

    • Paula Peeters
      Paula Peeters on November 29, 2016 at 8:54 am

      Thanks Annette! Hmmm I wonder what designs would be the most popular? Any suggestions?

  3. Helena Mills
    Helena Mills on November 29, 2016 at 2:27 pm

    I’ve just bought a second bag for a friend, they are fantastic! A print would be great.

    • Paula Peeters
      Paula Peeters on November 29, 2016 at 3:25 pm

      Hey Helena, thank you, I’m really glad that you like it 🙂 . A print may be possible… Perhaps the ESA might like to sell some through their online store… What size were you thinking?

  4. Sue Southwood
    Sue Southwood on November 29, 2016 at 7:15 pm

    Methinks you will not be missing your old job at all! Well done, and I am proud of you. Love all your writing as much as your art…just like listening to you.

    • Paula Peeters
      Paula Peeters on November 30, 2016 at 8:23 am

      Hi Sue, ….what was my old job again?! Thanks for your encouragement, as always. I’m working on a kid’s book right now, so there have not been many blog posts recently, but more writing and art will surface again… one day. I hope you are most wonderfully well 🙂 🙂

  5. Lynne Hartke
    Lynne Hartke on November 30, 2016 at 1:15 am

    Beautifully done!

    • Paula Peeters
      Paula Peeters on November 30, 2016 at 8:23 am

      Thanks Lynne!

  6. Helena Mills
    Helena Mills on November 30, 2016 at 8:26 am

    Hi Paula, probably about the same size as is on the bags (A4ish?), so you still have to hunt for all the hidden bits – it might be too easy if it were bigger.