Order of the Variegated Wren

Emma describes herself as a 'walking haunted house', working primarily with watercolours and metal leaf. For a decade she abandoned art, frozen by perfectionism, until an ADHD diagnosis and medication gave her the freedom to return to her practice.

Now, her work is alive with armed fairy wrens, tiny mouse knights, a kleptomaniac assistance dog-in-training, and her dearly beloved ghost cat.

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I created this piece to explore my world of tiny wren knights. Fairy-wrens lend themselves surprisingly well to themes of adventure and battle. Now, my aim is to introduce more elements of whimsical medieval revival into this world. Through swords, spears, and heraldry, I ask: can these iconic Australian birds exist in a fantasy realm of chivalry and charm?