oil on paper

76 x 56 cm, 86 x 66 cm (framed)

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Max Dupain’s Sunbaker 1937 is Australia’s best known photograph. It was shot on Culburra Beach just around the bend from Berry where I live part-time. A print of Sunbaker hangs in our living room. In 1991 Dupain called the photograph “a simple affair”, and I have always enjoyed his quote taken out of context. His shot has become a symbol of our country’s identity and way of life. In revisiting this place, and painting his same subject, I am connected to this shared identity. 

Painting nude sunbakers presents the delightful challenge of having to draw and paint from life. I admire that sunbaking requires confidence and vulnerability in equal parts.

Featured as a Semi Finalist in the BAM Art Prize 2023 as well as published in a special feature edition of the Byron Arts Magazine.

oil on paper

76 x 56 cm, 86 x 66 cm (framed)

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This palette knife painting evolved from a collection of life drawing sessions at a bar on Oxford St. As NSW began opening back up these drawing sessions were a way to gather safely and reconnect with the community. It also came with the added benefit of supporting performers whose work lives were not yet back to normal. Revisiting these drawings and reimagining them with a palette knife lets me reconnect with the freedom that life drawing allows. It is a delightful challenge to rescue any sense of likeness with this process.

oil on paper

76 x 122 cm, 86 x 132 cm (framed)

NFS

oil on paper

76 x 56 cm, 86 x 66 cm (framed)

Private Collection

oil on canvas

13 x 13 cm, 15.5 x 15.5 cm (framed)

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Slowly over time this painting has developed using the pigment left on my palette at the end of a session painting sunbakers from life on Culburra Beach. It holds the memory of this place, the people and the sun on my back.