Title: "Caught Red-Handed"

Medium: Watercolour on paper

Size: 29.5cm high by 20.5cm wide

          11 49/64 inches high by 8 5/64 inches wide

Unframed

This cheeky hawk has been caught trying to grab some luscious fruit.

The painting features Australian quandong fruits (red) and persimmons hanging perfectly on branches.

The quandong, with its sweet, juicy fruit, is a symbol of abundance and fertility in Aboriginal culture. It represents the bounty of the land and the importance of sharing and community.

Additionally, the quandong is often associated with women, representing their role as gatherers and providers for their families. It is also believed to have medicinal properties that support women’s health.

Persimmons are seen as a symbol of fertility by many Japanese people, and it’s often given as a gift to women who are pregnant or hoping to be soon.

The fruit’s bright colour is also seen as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity, which is why it’s often included in traditional Japanese New Year celebrations.

Throughout Chinese history, the persimmon has been held in high regard as a symbol of wisdom and longevity.

It has even been said that a persimmon tree can live for hundreds of years, making it a powerful symbol of longevity and perseverance.

So, perhaps this hawk is a female who desires to feed her young with spiritually powerful fruits for longevity, and to supplement their diet too.