Convenience = Consequence

Commissioned for Sea Walls Australia, this artwork on the side of the Anglicare North Queensland Hub substitutes remora fish for plastic bottles with a worried-looking shark.

I came to Cairns to paint about single-use plastic, to highlight how our love for convenience has led to its infiltration of every part of our natural world. Using the mutually beneficial relationship that exists between sharks and remora fish, I highlighted how our pollution would result in the loss of species and have a detrimental effect on all life in the ocean. Tiger sharks are native to the local area, and once I arrived to paint, I was introduced to the documentary Shark Waters by Rob Stewart. His work opened my eyes to how we are vilifying, neglecting and decimating these incredible creatures that represent a vital chain in the health of the ocean.
This is how special Sea Walls is. I came to raise awareness of one issue, and during my time in Cairns, I was made aware of so many other important issues that also need our attention and care. I came to educate and influence and was myself educated and influenced. I’m honoured to dedicate this piece to the memory of Rob Stewart, a man who spent his life fighting to protect creatures that don’t have a voice of their own. Long may we continue the work he began.