Moonlight Galahs by Tina Gill

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ARTIST NOTES: Galah’s remind me of my childhood and of my pet galah Nellie and her love story. I was lucky to have a beautiful big aviary. I had a few Cockatoo’s which were great escape artists over the years and when Nellie came along I knew right from the start we would have a great friendship and we did for 8 years. I was growing up and one day I had a sleep over with my besties, yeah we must have been about 13/14 yrs old and I was a big sister to Katherine and so she’d be about 8/9 and boy did she annoy me, as little sisters do. I was growing up and just wanted my own time and to spend it with my mates. My sis was jealous and rightly so, and now I feel pretty shit about my behavior in hind sight. I was just a teenager after all though. Anyway back to Nellie and the trippy story I am about to share with you.. We were playing cards in my bedroom when I suddenly looked up at my door and gasped. I said out loud “Oh no my sister has let my bird Nellie out of her cage” and I honestly had a dream which I had previously had a few weeks before this premonition came to be? Only moments later Katherine opens the door and panic is written all over her ‘innocent’ face lol. I say I already know before she says anything and she says “How’d you know Nellie is on the roof of her cage, quick you might be able to catch her”? So we all hurry out the back to find Nellie on the roof, I walk closer but something makes me stop. I turn to everyone and say “This is alright, it was meant to happen, Nellie deserves her freedom”. By now my friends are in shock at what just happened, but I think nothing of it of course because for me this is normal and I just assume we all had this gift. I actually believe we all do but we just don’t pay attention to all of the signs, dreams and random thoughts, words, symbols or it could be a song. Connections like this are beautiful and this one is a special one to me. I was going to breed Nellie and tried to pair her up with 2 males who couldn’t win her over and they tried the poor buggers. Well as we all sat on the lawn soaking that good warm afternoon amber glow we heard a flock of Galah’s getting closer and as they circled above a magnificent male Galah Prince flew down to meet his beloved Princess Nellie. They flirted and squawked and just before the sunset they flew off together, joining the flock and saying goodbye to the life she shared with me. I don’t think I was ever cruel by keeping my friend for all those years, I do not think she was mad with her keeper either, in fact I spoilt my Nellie and she lived comfortably, but would I ever do it again, no way. No judgment though for bird keepers, I know the love that you all have, I had it too. It was just time for Nellie and this flock must have been frequently passing by to give Princess Nellie and her new Prince a chance at finding true love and I am so glad she got to do that. Galah’s mate for life, & live long lives and I like to think that Nellie got to raise many chicks in her native wild Queendom. It still amazes me that they came for her, and wanted her to be free!

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Artist: Tina Gill

ARTIST BIO Tina Gill is a boundary-breaking artist who defies limitations both in her art and in life. Despite facing challenges due to disability, Tina channels her unique perspective into captivating artworks that seamlessly blend digital and traditional mediums. Inspired by the fearless creativity of Vincent Van Gogh, the evocative landscapes of Claude Monet, and the bold spirit of Frida Kahlo, Tina's work transcends conventionality. Unafraid to break the rules, Tina Gill's art is a testament to her unwavering determination to express herself authentically. Drawing inspiration from her native Australia, Tina often depicts the vibrant colors and intricate details of native birds and trees, infusing her pieces with a sense of local identity and environmental reverence. Through her art, Tina invites viewers to see the world through her eyes, offering a glimpse into a realm where imagination knows no bounds. With each stroke of her brush or click of her digital pen, Tina Gill continues to leave an indelible mark on the art world, proving that creativity knows no limits.   View works by Tina Gill in Frankston Art Show