My images have been used in many ways, including art prints, a kitchen splashback, on corflute signs, in newspapers, reports, montages, in calendars, in books, as a book cover… and even as a tattoo.
1/640, f/5.6, ISO 800
I was contacted a while back by a PhD Candidate (Flinders University) whose research area is Superb Fairywrens. Lauren Common asked if I’d be willing to give permission for this image to be used as reference for a tattoo. I was surprised, intrigued and supportive – what better way to show her absolute dedication to this exquisite species?
Image supplied by Lauren Common
Lauren sent me the photograph above, when the tattoo was very fresh and still a little red around the edges. I was blown away by how fabulous it looks, as if it wouldn’t be a surprise if the fairywren took flight. The tattoo artist was Matthew Rickard from Wolf and Wren Tattoo – which seems like an appropriate business name.
I asked Lauren if she’d share some information about her research and she sent this note: “I study wild superb fairy-wrens from egg to adult, looking at how their individual personalities affect their lives. Some of our wrens are more bold, shy, aggressive, exploratory than others, and all these traits will affect how they interact with other fairy-wrens and their environment! It is a privilege to work with them so closely and get to know them personally.”
Coincidentally a Superb Fairywren image of mine is scheduled to be shared in a fascinating article in the next edition of the Wilderness Journal. It’s brilliant that these beautiful birds are being studied by researchers who appreciate them so much. The little family at my place were happily flitting around as I worked today – one of them has a missing tail which I hope wasn’t caused by a feral predator. A pair of Brown Goshawks have been visiting for the past few days, but they don’t usually miss!
I hope Lauren will share some of her research findings with us when she can.
Happy birding, Kim
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Truly beautiful!
That’s lovely Fiona, thank you!
lovely
Thanks Julie. I hope Lauren spots your comment.
That is a spectacular tattoo, and one of the nicest I have ever seen. I share your hope that Lauren will share her findings.
And how nice to have your work used in that way. Congratulations on your inclusion in the Wilderness Journal too.
As I watch the fairywrens in my garden I’m wondering whether one of them is the tattoo subject or one of his descendants. I’ll share the research findings if Lauren sends them.
How wonderful to have your work displayed like this ,although I’m far from a Tattoo lover should I be ,I certainly would consider getting one of your Fairy Wrens so beautiful.
That’s lovely, Dona. I was thrilled by how awesome it looked. Not only did Lauren have a great idea but she found a skilled tattooist to do the job – quite amazing!