Skye Stephenson Visual Artist
Koalas, Painted With Ink Made From Their Leaves
My work centres on portraits of rescued wild koalas, created with handmade inks derived from the eucalyptus leaves that sustain them in the wild.
Each artwork is created using ink I make by hand from eucalyptus leaves that have already served as koala browse, allowing the leaves themselves to become part of the finished piece.
Koalas depend on specific eucalyptus species within their home range, and this intimate connection between animal and habitat inspires every painting. Wherever possible, each portrait is paired with the eucalyptus species preferred by that individual koala and sourced from the landscape they call home.
These leaves yield a unique palette of natural inks, from warm golds and rich browns to earthy reds and deep blue-black tones, forming the foundation of every work.
Each portrait honours an individual koala while reflecting the delicate relationship between wildlife, habitat and community. Together, they serve as a reminder that protecting koalas means protecting the landscapes that sustain them.
A portion of proceeds from every koala artwork is donated to Port Stephens Koala Hospital, supporting the rescue, treatment and rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned koalas, as well as research and conservation initiatives that help protect future generations of wild koalas.