National Museum of Australia - Jennifer Matthews

Jennifer Matthews

Jennifer is a practising artist, as well as an art student at La Trobe University in Mildura. She lives in Mildura and is passionate about her photography and painting. Jenny has used some of her artwork in her images for Wentworth Basin Bytes.

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This cactus-like flower is endangered in Victoria. I've used the Wentworth Basin Bytes project to help me in my research towards a solo exhibition at the Mildura Arts Centre in February 2005. I propose to use scientific investigation to bring together the creativity of art and the factual essence of science. My aim is to portray to the viewer the probability of these species becoming extinct.

Growling Grass Frog, Wentworth

The Growling Grass Frog is listed as a nationally endangered species. It is a large green and brown frog. It can grow to 80 mm, and lays its eggs in water. It eats smaller frogs, and is active both day and night. Although it has a wide distribution, this species is seldom abundant. The Etiwanda Wetlands will increase their probability of survival.

Orchid Pterostylis maxima. Walpeup, Victoria

This large Rusty Hood Orchid grows up to 35 cm tall with 612 leaves in a basil rosette with 28 hoodlike gaping flowers. This orchid is classed as vulnerable in Victoria, and is found near Walpeup, Victoria. Special thanks for this project to the Wentworth Shire Council, National Museum of Australia, Murray-Darling Basin Commission, Mallee Catchment Management Authority, and Gallash Associates.

Spider Orchid Arachnorchis stricta. Murrabit, Victoria

The Spider Orchid grows to 30 cm tall with a single narrow leaf at the base of a hairy stem, leaving a large yellow, green, brown and white spider flower. This species is classed as vulnerable in Victoria, and is found at Murrabit. Until recently it was regarded as part of the Caladenia dilatata.

Yvonne Koolmatrie, King Billabong

Yvonne Koolmatrie is an artist who has lived her life in Nyarrindjerie country, South Australia, and was taught to weave by one of her elders, Auntie Dorothy Katinyeri. Yvonne represented Australia in the Venice Biennale in 1997.

The environment: erosion, Ranfurley Way

Erosion is a major problem in the Mallee area. We need to balance our environment, and to achieve this we have to start educating by whatever means we can. I hope in some small way my historical journey may explain the importance of a sustainable environment.

Jennifer Matthews

Jennifer Matthews

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Bossiaea walkeri, Robinvale Plains

Growling Grass Frog, Wentworth

Orchid Pterostylis maxima. Walpeup, Victoria

Spider Orchid Arachnorchis stricta. Murrabit, Victoria

Yvonne Koolmatrie, King Billabong

The environment: erosion, Ranfurley Way