Portraits
For me, painting women is about recognising their presence, celebrating their stories and making space for the people and experiences that deserve to be seen.
Every portrait begins with a person, but I hope it becomes something more: a conversation, a connection and a glimpse into a life beyond the canvas.
Amber Driver
I’m drawn to painting regional women because of their stories, their connection to the land and the important role they play in rural communities. There’s a quiet strength and individuality in these women that I love to capture. Through Amber’s portrait, The Threads That Bind Us, I wanted to celebrate not only who she is, but the shared experiences, relationships and deep connections that bring women and their communities together.
Stacey Ford
The Strength at the Heart of the Station - I wanted to capture the strength and resilience of Stacey Ford, and the vital role women play in the life of a station. Living and working on the land brings its own challenges, and often it’s the women who quietly hold so much together, supporting their families, their communities and the generations who come after them. Through Stacey’s portrait, I wanted to celebrate the women behind rural life and the strength that lies at the heart of every station.
Shanna Whan
Strength, Sobriety and a Blue Heeler’s Love - Shanna’s story is one of courage, resilience and the power of finding your way back. Through her work with Sober in the Country, she has helped shine a light on the challenges of alcohol and mental health in rural communities. I wanted to capture not only Shanna’s strength and determination, but also the softer side of her story, the unconditional love and companionship of her Blue Heeler, Daveo. For me, this portrait is about honesty, hope and the strength it takes to make a difference, both in your own life and in the lives of others.
Self Portrait
​Painting a self-portrait is an opportunity to look a little closer at myself, not just at the face I see in the mirror, but at the person I am and the experiences that have shaped me. As an artist living and working in regional Australia, my identity is deeply connected to the landscape, the people around me and the stories I encounter. Through colour, pattern and expressive mark-making, I explore the layers that make up who we are — the places we belong to, the paths we take and the person we continue to become.