This painting is dedicated to and in memory of a local woman who was an inspiration to many in our community, the Bass Coast Shire. Fighting breast cancer for 15 years, Deb Reilly made a significant contribution through her work with the organisation Keeping Kids on Track. Her love of the ocean, her friends, family, and community is the inspiration behind this painting.
One hundred per cent of the sale of this painting will be donated to Keeping Kids on Track. Through her voluntary work, Deb made an enormous impact and will be deeply missed.
“In Africa, there is a tribe where, when someone does something wrong, they bring the person to the centre of the village, surround them for two days, and remind them of all the good they have done. The tribe believes that each person is inherently good but that sometimes people make mistakes, which are a cry for help. By coming together, they reconnect that person with their true nature.”
This is something I wanted to share before telling the story of The Pink Dolphin. It highlights the impact that positive energy and support can have on people’s lives. If communities acted in this way, we could accomplish so much more for those who need us most—choosing compassion and understanding over judgment.
The Pink Dolphin Story
A few powerful words Deb often used were, "It takes a village."
There is often one person who inspires change and brings forward ideas, but it takes a village to bring those ideas to life and make a real impact. When people come together to create and implement these ideas, the change in people’s lives can be extraordinary. Keeping Kids on Track has done just that – bringing kids, adults, and families together to share positive energy, even if only for a day.
In this painting, a community unites, supporting one another through encouragement, love, laughter, and joy on a day out at sea.
Two kookaburras fly together beside their special pink dolphin. They symbolise family and strong bonds. In their natural habitat, kookaburras are often seen flying and living together in groups, looking after one another like family. A spiral of blue wrens circles the pink dolphin. These tiny, elusive birds symbolise open-mindedness, reminding us to remain curious and accepting of different perspectives. Blue wrens choose when and where they reveal themselves, often flitting between different groups, embracing diversity and change.
The three red flying fish represent deep emotions. Fish can either swim in the shallows or dive deep into the ocean, just as we can choose to stay on the surface of our emotions or explore the depths of who we are. This symbol reminds us that true discovery happens when we are willing to look beneath the surface.
A single rosella flies alongside the kookaburras, offering support through life’s journey. Vibrant and full of joy, rosellas bring happiness wherever they go. They sing with merriment, always seen playing together in the trees. Butterflies, symbols of transformation, remind us that growth requires courage. They emerge from darkness, unaware of their true potential, until a sliver of light reveals the beautiful wings they have created for themselves. Life is filled with change, and with bravery and strength, we become who we were always meant to be.
Seven golden dragonflies hover above, representing work ethic and diligence. These luminous, magical creatures thrive in a range of environments, demonstrating adaptability and resilience. Nature’s gift to the world, dragonflies carry knowledge from the many landscapes they inhabit, sharing wisdom with those who cross their path.
Frogs, a sign of a healthy ecosystem, bring cleansing energy to the painting. They are sensitive, delicate creatures that will only thrive in an environment free from toxins. Their nighttime song is a symphony of renewal, a sign that nature is in balance.
Turtles, which appear in many of my paintings, symbolise gratitude. They remind us to slow down, appreciate what surrounds us, and find joy in the present moment. Just one small positive thought each day can lead to a lifetime of positive energy – gratitude is where true happiness begins.
A golden eagle soars overhead, spiralling upwards, urging us to shift our perspective. By rising above, we can see life from a new angle, keeping things in balance and gaining clarity on what truly matters. Strong and majestic, the eagle watches over, protecting those it loves.
The pink dolphin is a symbol of peace and harmony. This incredible creature avoids conflict, seeking joy instead. Intelligent and deeply intuitive, dolphins trust their instincts, embrace the good in others, and live in harmony with all beings. Their playful nature encourages us to choose joy over conflict, reminding us of the beauty in unity.
Lastly, a single white dove carries a lotus blossom. A symbol of life and peace. The lotus, born from mud and darkness, blooms into something vibrant and beautiful, reminding us that growth often comes from life’s most challenging moments. The darkness we endure teaches us valuable lessons, allowing us to fully appreciate the light when it appears.
The white dove, a universal symbol of peace, hovers over the community in this painting, waiting to be seen, waiting to be welcomed into our hearts.
