Mike McLean's Orange-bellied Parrot Art

Mike McLean relaxing in front of bus shelter with OBPs

Who is the Orange-bellied Parrot's greatest publicist? He's not a threatened species expert, a zookeeper or even a birdwatcher. Mike McLean has single-handedly brought thousands of people's attention to Australia's most endangered bird. He's done so with bold, bright art that grabs the attention and, hopefully, encourages the public to find out more.

Mid-career artist and teacher McLean hadn't even heard of the Orange-bellied Parrot until recently, although the bird was once a frequent winter visitor around the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast of Victoria, where he lives.

McLean was using bold colours for his successful, decorative portraits of women. Casting around for another subject, he hit on the Orange-bellied Parrot. The critically endangered bird was McLean's choice for a mural in Torquay, his home town. Said Mike:

The 'OBP' first came to my attention when I was looking for a colourful bird that was regional to me and also beautiful. When I saw that it was also endangered, I knew I could use the vehicle of my art to support a good cause.

With several projects completed - both temporary and permanent - and more planned, we can be assured of seeing the bright green, blue, yellow and orange of Orange-bellied Parrots in artworks around the Bellarine Peninsula, for a long time to come.

Drysdale bus shelters, Peninsula Drive, Drysdale

Launch 3rd April, 2014. Speakers included Richard Marles (federal Member for Corio), Craig Morley (Bellarine's OBP volunteer coordinator) and Councillor Andy Richards (City of Greater Geelong). Mike McLean third from left

Mike created 41 Orange-bellied Parrots across seven bus shelters, using stencils and hand painting the colours. He also depicted local parrot food sources such as beaded glasswort (above).

Approximately 2000 schoolchildren from three high schools in the precinct - St Thomas's, St Ignatius and Diversitat - use these shelters daily. The schools have been provided with pamphlets explaining the meaning and importance of the birds.

Over ten painting sessions, Mike was assisted by his students from Diversitat Youth Education, a Geelong service providing education and training for disadvantaged youth.

'Mobile' flock

Representatives of  Bellarine Catchment Network, City of Greater Geelong, Diversitat Community Services & Potato Shed Arts Centre at launch, 3rd April 2014

Mike created another 36 Orange-bellied Parrots on large corflute cut-outs (corrugated plastic). These are designed to be fastened to fences, walls and signs on a temporary basis. McLean received support from a building site, a residential housing developer and a school and fastened his 'flock' of big parrots for two weeks at a time on those properties. He said:

I am really happy with the way they have come out and with the public's response so far. I've received great support from the public and from local industries in realising my vision.

Building site, Geelong

Torquay College, Torquay

Drysdale bus shelter in progress

Earlier works

Torquay Primary School (2013)

Torquay Veterinary Clinic, 29 Surfcoast Highway, Torquay (2013)

Mike told the Geelong Echo he wanted the wall to be a feature in Torquay. The mural is 'cool and dynamic', with the birds seeming to fly across the building towards the highway. Painting the parrot was done in order to increase its profile and raise awareness of its plight.

It's also designed to keep graffiti taggers away! 'Murals always put taggers off,' said McLean. 'If they like it, they won't tag it, out of respect.'

Why Orange-bellied Parrots?

Why is Mike McLean interested in painting these beautiful, endangered birds? He says: 

Birds are a nice break from faces for me. They're also good because they have developed from my work with disengaged youth in the region.

Birds are a great theme. People gravitate towards them and have positive memories and opinions of them.  

Mike will install another, large public commission featuring Orange-bellied Parrots in July, 2014. Visit Save the Orange-bellied Parrot on Facebook to stay informed.

Mike McLean & Orange-bellied Parrot links

Website: Mike McLean Artist

Facebook: Mike McLean Artist

Instagram: @mikemcleanartist

Instagram tag: #orangebelliedparrot