GALLERY

LESTER PRIZE ENTRY 2025

Dr Noel Nannup is a respected Noongar Yinjibarndi Elder, cultural guide, educator, storyteller, and mentor. This portrait honours his ancestral knowledge and lifelong commitment to truth-telling and caring for Country. Each element carries meaning: the Jarrah base represents his placenta tree honours the Noongar tradition of returning to Country; the burnt story of the Carers of Everything (Moondang-ak Kaaradjiny) reflects his role as caretaker of all things; his totems, the crow (Wardong) and goanna (Karda), offer protection and guidance; and the scent of Geraldton Wax (Jambinu Zest) nods to his maternal lineage. Uncle Noel stands as a bridge between culture and academia, science and spirit. He teaches through story a calm, luminous, and generous like the land, leaving a quiet, transformative impact on all who meet him. His life’s work has deepened understanding of Country and the enduring cultural heritage of Aboriginal people.

SPIRITS OF THE EARTH 2025

This exhibition explores the spiritual connection with place, reflecting the deep bond between land, people, and stories through. Celebrating the unique qualities of each medium I capture both the timeless solidity of enduring landscapes and the fluid, spiritual essence our surroundings, revealing the beauty and awe each place holds.

CONNECTION TO PLACE 2021

In this Showcase, I explore themes of connection and place, seeking to capture the subconscious spirit and essence of the landscape. By building meaningful relationships with the people around me, I deepen my understanding of the landscapes I paint, allowing my work to reflect both personal and shared experiences of place. My artistic approach bridges realism and expressionism, creating a sense of fluidity and freedom while respecting the steadfastness of landscapes that have endured for centuries.

LESTER PRIZE ENTRY 2021

Sophie Stewart stands proudly in the backyard of her family home, infectious smile beaming, holding her father’s camera. Coordinator of Social Reinvestment WA, Sophie campaigns to end the over-incarceration of Aboriginal people; Reformed laws ending imprisonment for unpaid fines; Champions community justice reinvestment, executive-produced podcast Stories from the Inside and founded Swim for Refugees teaching hundreds to swim. Pushed in the pram at protests, spending days at the homeless shelter her parents Marya and Peter began, Sophie is inspired by them. Creating the portrait together was special, sharing afternoon-tea and stories next to the bus her dad drove to protests (colour and fragments inspiring the background), I was able to capture her warmth alongside determination for social justice. A presence of strength and joy; Sophie looks at an unjust, unequal world, and finds ways to begin changing it. Painted in memory of Peter, embodying his spirit, carrying on his legacy.

VESSELS OF ENCOUNTERS
2013

This collection of works delves into the intricate relationships and emotional connections between individuals, expressed through the subtle and evocative language of still life compositions. Each piece captures the quiet intimacy of shared experiences and unspoken bonds, using objects as metaphors for human presence and interaction. Drawing inspiration from a range of contemporary muses, these works reflect a modern sensibility while paying homage to the timeless themes of connection and togetherness. The muted and harmonious palette, inspired by the works of Giorgio Morandi, lends a sense of quiet reflection, emphasising simplicity and the beauty found in the understated. Through careful arrangement and deliberate colour choices, the collection invites viewers to find stories within the stillness and contemplate the relationships that shape our lives.

UNEXPECTED ALLURE
2012

This body of work aims to challenge conventional beauty ideals by revealing the hidden splendour in eccentric human physiology, highlighting features often altered or overlooked—blood patterns, brain imaging, even a platyhelminth—through illuminated light boxes that invite viewers to confront their biases. By exploring beauty beyond the physical, it emphasises emotional depth, resilience, and individuality, using light as a metaphor for visibility, illuminating what society often dismisses, and fostering a broader appreciation of beauty in its most nuanced and human form.