Little Darwin is rejoicing after finding the above l993 volume with a special title page drawing depicting a swearing Gough Whitlam and Paul Keating seemingly in the form of the Statue of Liberty delivering a rude fingers up gesture.
The book is the title of a travelling exhibition of cartoons with an environmental theme organised by Townsville's Perc Tucker Gallery , curated by George Hirst . It appears to have been a presentation copy signed by cartoonists Sean Leahy (The Courier Mail ) and Patrick Cook ( The Bulletin , Independent Monthly ) to Magnetic Island artist , designer and ALP activist , Gavin Ryan , featured in the publication.
An inscription urges Gavin to continue stirring the possum , which he used to do with cartoons that appeared in the feisty island newspaper, The Magneto. An example of his diverse artistic output , a welded copper public installation , can be seen on the wall inside the Magnetic Island ferry terminal .
In Hirst's extensive biographical coverage of the participating cartoonists , he specifically mentions Ryan's depiction of the survival gear of a Barrier Reef dugong - armour plating, net scissors , location marker and outboard motor .
Floating about Magnetic Island in a locked suitcase is supposed to be a T-shirt promoting Norman Gunston for Prime Minister which Ryan , who had a studio at Horseshoe Bay, designed .
Gavin , described as being keen on seeing lacquered squashed cane toads turned into sporting and art objects, left the island , became closely connected with the Woodford Folk Festival, producing its spectacular annual posters, becoming its resident artist. He also became involved with Bali carvers.
