People's Choice award
Spirit of Southern Cassowary
for the Southern Cassowary
EndangeredBy Bella, age 11
For my artwork Spirit of the Southern Cassowary, I chose to draw the Southern Cassowary because it is one of Australia’s endangered species that many people don’t often see, but it plays a very important role in our environment. I wanted to show how beautiful and powerful this bird is, and why it deserves our protection. I used bright blues, deep blacks, and a tall brown casque to highlight the cassowary’s unique features. Behind it, I painted soft green rainforest colours and yellow fruits to show the tropical forests where cassowaries live. These birds help the rainforest grow by spreading seeds, which makes them like guardians of the forest. Without them, many plants would not survive. By creating this artwork, I hope to help others learn about the cassowary and understand why endangered animals need our care. Even though I’m only eleven, I believe art can inspire people to protect Australia’s wildlife and make sure these amazing species have a safe future.