The Hand of Life by Maito Tanaka

This is a portrait of Jane du Rand, a ceramic and mosaic artist whose work brings the natural world to life, especially Australia’s birds. I’ve had the privilege of learning from Jane during her workshops, and eventually, she invited me to assist in her studio. Watching her work up close, I became fascinated by the way her hands move: precise, gentle, and full of care. It was as if every bird she made was real.

I wanted to capture that magic in this painting. The birds in the portrait aren’t just her subjects, they’re symbols of the energy and attention she puts into each piece. This work is a tribute to Jane’s kindness, focus, and quiet joy.