Sky and Earth by David Cragg

First Nations Artist David Cragg has taken the term ‘nature play’ to a new level, creating seven true-to-life paintings of Blacktown’s native birds to be displayed across the centre’s new kids play area.

With the aim of making playtime both fun and educational, each mural boasts bright colours and many layers of detail, exploring various aspects of the Cumberland Plains and its native plants and wildlife.

In ‘Sky and Earth’, the orange and blue backdrops represent the clay soil of the Plains and its waterways, which have been ‘mapped’ using information from Sydney Water.

An array of foliage throughout the paintings – including Grey Box, Red Gum, Eucalyptus, Acacia and Flannel Flowers, provides a burst of colour as well as a reminder of the importance of preserving habitat as food and shelter.

The nesting birds are all local and endangered species, including the Spotted Pardalote, Red Wattlebird, Red-browed Finches and the once abundant but now rarely seen Regent Honeyeater, which is shown with a cat lurking in the background – a key threat to local bird populations.

These murals are a key drawcard for Westpoint, with the injection of unique, local artwork within the kids play area.

The quality of art is matched by the quality of the playscape, which includes slides, tunnels and climbing nets to challenge children from one to twelve years of age.

We encourage you to bring your budding bird watchers along for a play and to learn more about our fascinating local wildlife!

Find this amazing artwork installed in and around the kids play area on Level 4, near Grill’d.

Learn more about Cragg’s work www.instagram.com/davidcragg