Familiar Faces

‍I feel at peace among the animals. I am inspired by my personal affections and experiences. My body of work, Familiar Faces, is a celebration of the humbling relatability between human and creature. Through painted portraits, I share moments of silent, mutual respect as the residents of my family farm and the viewer consider one another, eye to eye. Innocent animals, wise beyond their comprehension, serve as a reminder to take a break; life doesn’t need to be rushed.

I grew up on small farm on the coastal lands of the Boon wurrung people of the Kulin Nation before moving to Naarm/Melbourne in 2018 to pursue a higher education. I am primarily a painter and typically work representationally with exaggerated pops of colour. Spending large portions of 2020 and 2021 locked down in my urban rental has intensified my appreciation of nature and the nostalgic childhood bliss of running through the paddocks with my posse of interspecies companions.

Through my work I encourage viewers to connect with these gentle creatures and, even if just for a moment, distance themselves from the human condition.

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Big Red, 2021  

oil on canvas  

505 x 405 x 40 mm

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Carb loading, 2021  

oil on canvas  

505 x 405 x 40 mm

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Polly, 2021  

oil on canvas  

610 x 450 x 40 mm

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Sprinkles, 2021  

oil on canvas  

350 x 280 x 40 mm

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