Rutherglen Silo Art - Victoria

The Rutherglen Silo Art, titled "Birds of Seasons" celebrates the local fauna that subtly guides the rhythm of life in the region. These small, beautiful birds have historically played a vital role in signalling the changing seasons to First Nations peoples and farmers alike and are a significant part of the region's ecology. Each silo in the series represents a specific season, with a bird chosen for its distinct colour palette, reflecting the essence of that time of year. Within the forms of these birds, intricate details reveal seasonal crops, golden veins and specific markings inspired by historic gold maps, and unique land patterns informed by stories from the local community.

The first silo, features the Eastern Spinebill Honeyeater, paired with sprigs of Common Heath. These honeyeaters are often seen hovering around native plants such as Common Heath, probing the tubular flowers with their long, curved beak.

The second silo features Billy Buttons alongside the Red Capped Robin, with its rich red and warm orange hues, capturing autumn’s changing landscape.

The third silo features the Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, embodying summer’s warmth and vitality. Within the bird, delicate linework honours Rutherglen’s grape harvest, featuring golden Muscat and a hidden wine glass. Alongside the bird is River Red Gum, whose vibrant summer blooms stand as a symbol of the land's deep history and Indigenous knowledge.

The fourth silo features the Pink Robin, with its vibrant belly symbolising the transition into Spring, alongside iconic Flannel Flowers. This design also incorporates golden wheat patterns representing seasonal abundance, as well as golden markings that evoke Goldrush- era maps, honoring regional history.



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