Willie Wagtails on Fence Palings: How One Artist’s Meditative Hobby Became a Global Phenomenon
Mike McLean, a Torquay-based artist, began painting willie wagtails on discarded fence palings about a decade ago, using leftover materials from larger projects.
He gives the paintings free to local residents and sells them for $20 to others. The artworks gained popularity during COVID-19 lockdowns and have since been photographed in various locations worldwide, including Japan, Thailand, Venice, Santa Monica, and Antarctica, as documented on an Instagram page.
Distribution and Local Impact
McLean estimates he has painted thousands of the birds. The paintings appear in rural, suburban, and retail areas around Torquay, used for displaying house numbers and table numbers in a cafe.
Local residents, including Laura and her children Spencer and Harper, engage in searching for the wagtails as a recreational activity. Laura stated that the activity helped them engage with the community during lockdowns and continues to be pursued years later.
Artist's Perspective
McLean described the painting process as meditative, taking two to three hours per bird.
He noted that the creative arts have been negatively affected by reduced consumer spending on luxury items. He plans to create large installations featuring multiple wagtails.
Community Response
Sally Sexton, a local canine groomer, said the paintings "brightened" life during a difficult period.
Cherry Fitzpatrick from Barwon Heads reported noticing the spread of wagtails and expressed intent to take one to her son in the Netherlands.