About ‘Captive Companions’

For decades, the intelligence of birds has been greatly underestimated and they have been thought of as “easy pets.” However, recent ornithological studies have shed light on just how intelligent birds actually are. Some species of birds even rival humans in certain aspects of intelligence and social skills. These findings challenge the way we as humans have been keeping pet birds in captivity and it provides insight into how we can become more supportive and ethical bird owners in future. 

In an attempt to highlight this, artists and dear friends Corinne Lewis and Anne Smerdon, brought together over 30 highly trained free-flight birds of different species, to document their personalities and plumage. 

For Anne, taking references from live birds that are free to fly and express themselves offers the rare opportunity to closely encounter and document the true personalities of each bird. 

For Corinne, the focus rests on the intimate bond between highly trained bird and dedicated human. Eschewing traditional portraiture, the females in Corinne’s paintings are anonymous. Sumptuous garments emulate the vivid plumage of the birds they hold. The exotic bird denotes the feminine, the intuitive and the multi-hued resonance that is nature itself.

Captive Companions

Catalogue of Paintings and a behind the scenes look at the works of Anne Smerdon and Corinne Lewis
Available for purchase at the Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Centre, Murwillumbah NSW
or buy online through Anne Smerdon’s website www.annesmerdon.com and also view her beautiful paintings.

Gallery of Corinne’s paintings exhibiting now
and available online at Tweed Regional Gallery

The Hope of One and the Happiness of Both
(featuring Vonnegut and Scheile)
Original Oil Painting on Canvas
180 x 120 cm
SOLD
© Corinne Lewis

Mon Vieux Flirt
(featuring Ranger)
Original Oil Painting on Canvas
60 x 90 cm
SOLD
© Corinne Lewis

Anne and Vonnegut
Portia Geach Memorial Award Finalist 2016
Original Oil Painting on Linen
123 x 100 cm
SOLD
© Corinne Lewis

Of Cares that Consume Us Both
(featuring Ranger)
Original Oil Painting on Board
60 x 50 cm
SOLD
© Corinne Lewis

God Guides Their Wing, He Spreads Their Table that They Nothing Lack
(featuring Rainbow Lorikeets at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary)
Original Oil Painting on Linen
75 x 100 cm
© Corinne Lewis

Free as a Bird to Settle Where I Will
(featuring Ranger and Fish)
Original Oil Painting on Linen
130 x 100 cm
SOLD
© Corinne Lewis

Heaven and Earth, Where in One Moment Blend
(Featuring Griffin)
Original Oil Painting on Linen
105 x 160 cm
© Corinne Lewis

En Botas Espanolas
(Featuring Griffin)
Original Oil Painting on Linen
74 x 54 cm
SOLD
© Corinne Lewis

Gentle Souls by Angels Kissed
(featuring Vonnegut)
Original Oil Painting on Linen
130 x 100 cm
SOLD
© Corinne Lewis

Thus to Thy Beauty does my Fond Heart Look
(Featuring Pascal)
Original Oil Painting on Board
50 x 40 cm
SOLD
© Corinne Lewis

Of Spring Everlasting
(featuring Vonnegut)
Original Oil Painting on Linen
130 x 100 cm
© Corinne Lewis

Harley and Heels
(featuring Harley)
Original Oil Painting on Linen
74 x 54 cm
SOLD
© Corinne Lewis

Pascal, Pascal
(featuring Pascal)
Original Oil Painting on Linen
200 x 85 cm
SOLD
© Corinne Lewis

Resplendent Ornament
Original Oil on Linen
200 x 135 cm
SOLD at Manyung Gallery, Melbourne
© Corinne Lewis