Australia is facing an extinction crisis. We already have the worst extinction rate in the world for mammals, and other groups of animals are not far behind.

In south-eastern Australia, more than 25 animal species are teetering on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss, feral animals, landscape fragmentation, disease and climate change. Amongst these is the iconic Tasmanian Devil, and Victoria’s animal and bird emblems, the Leadbeater’s Possum and the Helmeted Honeyeater respectively. These are local species, from tiny frogs to wallabies, and each animal regardless of their shape, colour and size deserves nothing less than a secure future.

The art work was largely inspired by Zoos Victoria who are committed to fighting extinction with captive breeding and recovery programs to secure the survival of these priority species before it is too late.

Such as the Orange-bellied Parrot, Australia’s most endangered bird species with an estimated fewer than 50 left in the wild. These small birds annually migrate across Bass Strait from their breeding site in remote south-western Tasmania to the south-eastern coast of the mainland. Crucial to the survival of this species is the protection and expansion of habitat on known feeding sites and captive breeding programs for reintroduction into the wild. Such conservation programs, research projects and community conservation campaigns are at the frontline of trying to prevent animals such as the Orange-bellied Parrot to disappear altogether.

The work shows animal subjects in a state of disappearance. The weft threads of linen fabric are pulled away, leaving a ghost on the remaining warp threads. Up close, the image fragments into the form and texture of line and ink, unspooled from my fingers.

As an artist I am interested in presenting the potential loss of animal species and the issues threatening their existence to help nurture a connection to these animals and support conservation outcomes. I invite you to join the efforts of Zoos Victoria and conservation partners to help secure the future for these species.

Jane holds a bachelor degree in Sculpture and post graduate certificate from the Victorian College of the Arts. Over thirty years, she has worked in a variety of media including photography, printmedia, textiles, installation and homeware designs. She has exhibited in leading independent galleries and craft outlets in Melbourne, Australia and received support from state and national arts funding bodies.

Her practice has revolved around a variety of themes concerning physical identification, bodiliness, biographical narratives and the development of a sculptural, installation based language with which to present these themes.