‘Interactions’

Soft Pastel | 44.4cm x 32cm

This piece features the unique Burrunan dolphins that live in Port Phillip Bay, interacting with some Short-Beaked Common Dolphins.
Along with the resident population of around 120 Burrunans in Port Phillip Bay, there is also a small resident population of the Commons, majority of whom are females with calves.
While Common dolphins are pretty common around the word, it’s unusual for there to be a resident population in a particular area.
The Burrunans on the other hand, are only found in Port Phillip Bay, the Gippsland lakes (where there’s another resident population of around 30 dolphins) and in parts of Tasmania and South Australia (those guys are transients)
The two species are known to interact and hang out with each other from time to time.
I wanted this piece to depict not only the interaction these 2 species can have, but to also showcase the 2 different species of dolphins that call Port Phillip Bay home.