Birds on Hand

Seven original paintings from Kate Beatty's Birds on Hand series, available directly from the artist's studio.

Birds on Hand explores the relationship between people and the natural world through encounters between the human hand and New Zealand birds.

The birds are placed against densely patterned botanical grounds, bringing together detailed observation, decorative pattern and vivid colour. The hand becomes both a physical support for the bird and a symbol of our relationship with the natural environment — an encounter that can suggest care, intimacy, possession and connection.

These paintings form part of an established body of work developed through Kate's ongoing exploration of New Zealand birds, botanical imagery, pattern and the relationship between image and object.

A selection of works from the series is currently available directly from the studio.