Jim Cox
MONTVILLE STUDIO
CONSERVATION
Jim grew up in Melbourne where almost no animals were native .. mostly introduced! Over the years he has lived in Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and Townsville; becoming a 'bushy' wherever he lived.
His two passions are 'making art' and studying Australian wildlife. Unsurprisingly he retired from teaching to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, 100klm north of Brisbane, and bought enough land to plant a rainforest and with his partner, ceramist Pam Maegdefrau they have together created an intimate wildlife sanctuary.
Every day there is something to observe, to discover, to draw. And to slowly watch wildlife return to their natural environment. But so sadly the status of 'endangered', or 'threatened' species continues!
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​During Covid, Jim decided he would try to channel his anger into something positive. Perhaps he could make us understand the damage we are doing?
There are many nocturnal animals most Aussies have never seen nor heard of. There is too little awareness of the damage we continue to do. Hoping to change this, Jim collaborated with Maleny author & environmentalist, Elaine Green.
The artwork he created for an exhibition, became the basis of a book, 'SOS-Save our Species', which shines a light on this state of affairs, hopefully before we loose more of our unique fauna. The titles of Jim's artworks put these animals on a war footing with us ... "A Column of Kanga made cantankerous by Constant Culling" ... lined up like soldiers about to be mobilised; or "Militant Monotremes make a Move" ... against a background of our historical rebel 'Eureka' Flag!
Launched in the Gallery of an iconic Rainforest Reserve in Maleny, the last remnant of the original rainforests of the Blackall Ranges ... this was the perfect location. Elaine's words are cautionary, informative, and inspired by Jim's crazy and funny titles.
But both their works are deadly serious; as they ask the reader to take note, and take more care. SOS was launched, July 2022 and very well received.
A second project: "POP-Protect our Pollinators" followed this initiative and was launched on the 25th November 2023 to support the annual 'National Pollinators Week' in November.
Again a collection of artwork from Jim and wonderful research and words from Elaine; a successful exhibition and another great book! Exploring the native animals that support our forests and our flora is a new adventure and many participants, as pollinators will be a surprise to many of us.
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The books are available to purchase through local bookshops and Landcare Groups and direct from the artist.
the success of this body of artwork and publication was always going to encourage a third in the series
The next was ... 'FOF - Friend or Foe'. .. all about FERALS
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The reality of our Colonial history is a sad read. A time when privileged, landed Gentry decided thee was not enough sport in this new land and so they brought in whatever they fancied; rabbits, foxes, stoats and ferrets for their shooting parties; sheep, cows, pigs and
deer for their table; horses, donkeys, buffalo, camels for transport and dogs and cats for companions! The result was a disaster.
It did not take long for these animals to escape; or be let loose, and the survival of the unique and magnificent fauna that was endemic to the Great Southern land was at risk! We still pay the price for that ignorance and arrogance.
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Those actions have caused more extinctions than in any other country on Earth, and the destruction of our land and our inheritance. And the cost of removing the ferals, saving the endangered species is beyond reckoning and still continues.
Recent editions to these ferals have been cane toads and fire ants! Jim's images of these animals will win your hearts and the words from Elaine will amaze and hopefully inspire yo .. both asking you to get to know our native animals and to love and protect them.
