ANIMALIA 8 – 23 August 2025
Introducing the 54 artists featured in ANIMALIA who celebrate the natural world through an array of approaches and mediums. Please note, not all works are pictured below. To see all 85 fabulous creations come and visit us at Q Gallery, Ainslie.
For all sales enquiries email hello@q-gallery.com.au
-
Adam Blackshaw
‘Jester Bird’ 45 × 55cm $375 and ‘Lyneham Certified Detectives’ 44 × 55cm $375
Both works are a kind of crazy fragmented visual poetry, dense with collaged images and broken text. The silhouette of a Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo is at the centre of one and two Magpies the other. I think of Cockatoos as being the jesters of the bird world with their screeching and aerial acrobatics and to me Magpies always look like they’re searching for clues to solve some unknown crime. -
Adriana Seserko
Momento Vivere’, synthetic polymer paint and ink on paper, 61 x 91cm, $6,600
With the recent and unexpected passing of my beautiful Dad in May this year and of my dearest Grandfather 12 months prior, grief has become my constant and unsolicited companion. Momento Vivere or remember to live, finds solace in natures embrace, and reminds one that life is wonderful if indeed too short.During times of hardship, when everyday feels like a test, and the sun vanishes behind a wall of impenetrable grey, life then imparts resilience so that with the morrow, the sun may again shine brightly.
See each obstacle as a worthy trial. Happiness is naught without tribulation.
We are fortified by our experiences, the good and the bad, and with them, are better able to appreciate what we have. Life is a worthy pursuit, and I am willing traveller.‘
See more of Adriana’s works at Day Gallery -
Angus Comyns
‘BE FEARLESS’, acrylic screen print, 90 x 90cm, $1,500 and ‘HOW TO STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD’, acrylic screen print, 80 x 114cm, $1,500
Angus Comyns is a Canberra based screen print artist with a style that is a fusion of contemporary, urban and pop.
His artistry seamlessly blends vibrant hues with a mix of hand-sketched and photographic visuals, often punctuated with poignant text.www.anguscomyns.com.au
https://www.instagram.com/anguscomyns/ -
Angelina Seserko
‘Emu’, graphite on paper (framed), 23 x 32cm, $550
I wanted to draw emus because they’re quirky, full of personality, and surprisingly expressive for such large birds.Their unique, fluffy plumage and tall, awkward stances make them fascinating subjects to sketch. Emus also seem a bit misunderstood, they look intimidating, yet have a surprisingly gentle, curious nature.
I wanted to capture that contrast. Plus, their quirky movements and hilarious behaviour in the wild always put a smile on my face, so drawing them felt like a fun way to bring a bit of humour and charm into my art.
Emus just felt like the perfect muse!
-
Anna Davi
‘For the love of Magpies’, acrylic on paper (framed), 33 x 33cm, $490
‘Just Before’, acrylic on paper (framed), 33 x 33cm, $490
I am a contemporary mixed-media artist inspired by nature.I adore painting birds, and I have a particular fondness for our Aussie avians. I especially enjoy getting up close and personal to create bird portraits. I paint with happy exploration, using unexpected colours and expressive mark making, incorporating a mix of acrylics, watercolour, and charcoal. While my work is abstract,
I enjoy lavishing attention on the finer, realistic details. And so, the multi-layered work takes our feathered friends into a world where we can experience intimate and unique encounters with these otherwise wild and fleeting creatures.
-
Anna Kovacs
‘The Sweetest Things - Gang-gang Cockatoos’, acrylic on canvas, 60 x 50cm, $9,000
‘The Queens – the Divine Feminine’, acrylic on canvas, 60 x 50cm, $12,000
‘Serenity’, acrylic on canvas, 70 x 55cm, $12,000Born in Australia in 1962, Anna Kovacs (AnnaK) reflects on the unexpected twists of life that led her to embrace a newfound passion for art at the age of 60. In 2023, AnnaK made the bold decision to pursue art as a full-time career, embracing her identity as a self-taught artist and with complete disregard to societal expectations and limitations of what it is to be considered a ‘woman of a certain age’.
Inspired by the breathtaking natural environment, particularly of her native Australia, and fuelled by her own personal spiritual quest, AnnaK's artwork embodies a vibrant fusion of these influences and elements, underscored by a profound love for colour and intricate detail.
https://www.fineartbyannak.com.au/ -
Amber W Johnson
‘Bookish’, watercolour on paper, 7.5 x 14cm, $400
Rooted in a deep connection to the natural world, my intimate watercolour paintings are a reflection of this bond. My journey, beginning in Oakland, Maryland, has spanned continents, from the wild terrains of Alaska and the ancient landscapes of Nepal to the gentle undulations of Scotland.
Now settled in Canberra, Australia, my current surroundings infuse my work, capturing moments of quiet, observed wonder.
Executed in miniature using jewel-like tones, my watercolours invite the viewer into a close, private encounter. The scale is deliberate, fostering an intimate moment, like sharing a secret story. This approach is deeply influenced by the Golden Age of Illustration, particularly the work of Aubrey Beardsley, Beatrix Potter, and Arthur Rackham. I admire their mastery in merging the natural world with human experience, forging a powerful emotional connection.
@amberwjohnson
https://amberwjohnson.wixsite.com/illustration -
Beata Tworek
‘Lusia’, digitally enhanced photograph, 50 x 50cm, NFS
A faithful friend is the medicine of life*- our relationships with dogs best exemplify this ancient wisdom. Joy, love and unconditional trust we share with our pets have countless depictions in art. However, we are reluctant to speak of trying times in our lives together.Times when you feel the unspoken pain of your dog, when you try to read suffering from their eyes, when you resort to the most basic communication of sounds, smells and body language.
This is a shade of love we rarely talk about, we don’t want to think about; it’s these times equally as joyous ones that describe our lives with our best friends. Happiness called Lusia comes naturally like sunshine; troubled times offer darker contours to sunny highlights, creating a true, well-defined picture.
*Ecclesiasticus 6:16
Lusia (pronounced Lusha) the Airedale terrier has been our scruffy sunshine for 11.5 years.
-
Berni Barker
‘Narcissus’, watercolour and pencil on board, 25 x 30cm, $440
I created this imaginative contemporary work to draw the attention of the audiences’ eye to the beauty held within small details; a delicate Splendid Blue Wren spotted in a country garden, a paint brush I use daily, a glass from my studio, gum leaves and peppercorn berries hold memories from childhood.
Every day we observe something small that is over-looked or forgotten in our busy lives. Our focus and attention is distracted so often by the obligation to be elsewhere, attending to the necessary or the urgent aspects of our lives, complicated by the fast-paced world of technology.
By directing our gaze to the small and beautiful details, we quieten the mind, slow the breath and in so doing, feed the soul. Immersing ourselves in art and creativity can be restorative and healing.
-
Beth Weaver
‘Packing up the Guest’s Bed’, watercolour and ink illustration, 32 x 44cm, $250
Packing up the Guest's Bed is a watercolour and ink illustration I completed in memory of my late dog, Maton, who we lost a few months ago. This A3 piece was a meaningful way to process my grief and capture his spirit, even if I can't pat him anymore.
-
Brenda Stajcic
‘Leon’, mixed media on board, 40 x 51cm, $400
Meet Leon- He is fun, cheeky, and full of character. With one eye on you, he's always ready to laugh with you (or at you).
This painting is a playful interpretation of the rainbow lorikeet, one of Australia’s most iconic native birds. Leon's vibrant plumage, and expressive gaze capture his lively spirit and cheeky personality.
I work with bold, expressive strokes and a vibrant colour palette, leaning into abstraction and loose, gestural mark making to bring movement and life to the animals I paint. My works often feature misregistered marks, playful outlines, and unexpected accents of colour to capture their dynamic nature.
http://www.artbybrenda.com.au
https://www.instagram.com/brendastajcicart -
Candice Jean
‘Jelly Bubbles’ ,mixed media on canvas, 76 x 92cm, $860
‘That Buzzz’, mixed media on canvas, 101 x 76cm, $930
‘Wilde’, mixed media on canvas, 76 x 92cm, $860
I have always seen the world in colour & was born to share it! I love wearing colour, mixing colour & painting in colour... pretty much everything about colour excites me. It is my way to authentically express myself without external judgement in that present moment. Each piece is a direct line of communication from my past experiences & future dreams, all intuitively & uniquely me...
I work in a range of mediums, never boxing myself in to one type or tool. I always love exploring different mixed media & seeing how different mediums interact & have that deep conversation dancing across the wall.
-
Cassie Carter
‘THE RAINBOW PEACOCK’, acrylic on canvas, 121 x 99cm, $750
Based in Bungendore, I am a bird and floral textured artist. The peacock fans out its brightly coloured feathers to show off. An inspiration to us to be bold, be vibrant, to show off. Add more colour, make your day brighter than yesterday. -
Cat Soper
‘I Love a Sunburnt Country’, digital vector art print, 89 x 65cm, $1,700
‘Ole Yellow-Tail’, charcoal, ink and pastel on paper, 78 x 66cm, $1,400
‘Phantom of the Night’, acrylic on canvas, 95 x 66cm, $800
I live on the Central Coast NSW and work with digital vector art, acrylics and charcoal, ink and pastels on paper as well as symbolism. I showcase my love for the magic and exceptional colours of the Australian bush and outback landscape, with references to Australian Film for example, Priscilla Queen of The Desert and for my ‘love-don’t love’ relationship with cats. -
Claire Cusack
‘Kookaburra on a branch’, oil on canvas, 40 x 40cm, $900
‘Barn owl on branch’, oil on canvas, 40 x 40cm, $900
Claire B Cusack is an Australian artist working primarily in oil paint and soft pastels. Her practice is grounded in a quiet observation of the everyday, with a particular focus on the delicate interplay between human connection, nature, and fleeting moments of stillness.
Drawing inspiration from Australia’s native birds among other animals and from the quiet rituals of domestic life, each painting is approached with patience and intention. Rather than idealising her subjects, Claire aims to reflect their inherent beauty with authenticity and care—building depth and mood through layered mark-making and tonal subtlety.
-
Dale Caldwell
‘Thylacine’, mixed media on paper, 38 x 48cm, $Pay What You Feel
Abstracted forms of an animal no longer seen, yet deeply felt. -
Dallal Naser
‘Black Beauty’ 40.6 cm x 30.5 cm $480
Dallal's art is a testament to the power of unity. Each piece she creates is rich in detail, reflecting her unwavering commitment to her cause and her belief that even the smallest brushstroke can inspire change. -
Dre Cassar
‘Lino-cut Cockatoo’, hand carved and pressed linocut print, 29 x 30cm, $200
The piece is a hand-carved and hand-pressed linocut print featuring a cockatoo. It has been created using archival-quality oil-based inks on 320gsm paper. -
Elliott Fox
‘Fox and Snow’, screen print on paper, 45 x 35cm, $200
This artwork is one of the artist's first works during his rediscovery of himself. The screenprint presents the image of a fox, his animal kin, in an environment of snow. The scene depicts comfort and familiarity with knowing oneself and one's place. -
Ellen Bourne Wardle
‘Papillon’, embroidered stump work affixed to handmade frame,16 x 20cm, $300
My art practice explores the historical techniques in sewing, embroidery, ornament, and building adornment.Using a combination of upcycled and new materials, I create pieces that reference the natural world, mythology, and folk traditions - alongside modern inspirations like couture runway pieces.
My piece, Papillon, is an embroidered Stump work butterfly created using wire, embroidery thread, metallic thread, glass and metal beads and sateen fabric.
-
Eoin Godley
‘Short Bill Echidna (Bill for short)’, 64 x 84.5cm, $550
I have always been inspired by echidnas, evolved with claws for digging, defensive spikes and a soft underbelly. The echidna has convergently evolved similarly to the hedgehog, in a completely different environment.
Left unprovoked the echidna will be inquisitive, living alongside the other animals. But once provoked or backed into a corner the spines flare and the echidna hides her soft underbelly only allowing the world to see the thorny projection of herself. Much like ourselves the echidna only wants to live and be free, safe from outside threats.
The echidna represents our uniqueness individually, but also how we share so many similarities to others despite the differences in our environment, upbringing or our place in the world.I can be contacted through my email AinslieEoin@iinet.net.au
-
Faro Bijan
‘The Last Witness’ 21 x 29cm, $700
In The Last Witness, I aim to portray more than just an animal. This raven-like figure emerges as a vessel of memory, grief, and persistence. It is not simply a bird—it’s the last observer of a fading world.
The creature’s gaze is central: steady, piercing, yet hollow. It looks not just outward, but inward—at us, and through us. Its claws don’t grip in strength, but out of fragile insistence. Despite its deconstruction, it remains—broken but standing.
I see this drawing not as a depiction of darkness, but as a quiet act of endurance. The disintegration of form doesn’t suggest defeat; it offers a different kind of survival—one rooted in witnessing, remembering, and accepting impermanence.
The Last Witness is part of a larger inquiry in my work: how animals, real or imagined, can carry the emotional weight of the unseen. In this exhibition, among a celebration of animalia, I offer this piece as a moment of stillness—a space to consider the fragile line between beauty and ruin, form and formlessness.
-
Felicite Briggs
‘Candy’, 100 x 85cm, $900
Felicite’s works are extremely personal. Each piece reflects a memory or event that is/was part of her life. Currently her preferred medium is coloured pencils. She loves their portability, vibrant colour range, and the level of detail she can achieve with them, in her drawing practice. She also works in watercolours and printmaking.
This cheeky Kelpie pup came to us last year. Her irrepressible personality and boundless energy changed the whole dynamic of the household and she has kept us amused, and on our toes, from day one. I loved the juxtaposition of this typical working farm-dog perched on a designer chair, and obviously not doing life too tough. She still loves that chair!
In this drawing I wanted to convey a sense of fun, her character, and a different take on a working dog portrait.
-
Glen Downey
Animalias’ 82 x 82cm $2,000
Glen is an artist, muralist, illustrator and graphic designer based in Melbourne.
Animalias is a piece from a collection of works called You Can Be… Anything! that explores how identity, like art, emerges in response to an ongoing daily stream of influence, choice and happenstance.
Each piece is a unique humanoid form that develops organically by combining renderings of different things relative to a central theme. In the case of Animalias, I aimed to create the figure out of species found in south eastern Australian bushland.
A video capture of the process, seen here https://www.instagram.com/p/DC5S1l5TlJ8/
https://www.instagram.com/crisis_irl/ -
Grace Costa
‘Joker’ 76 x 56cm $399
Canberran photographer, podcaster and coach brings a refined approach to her work.
Portrait of Joker is part of the Spotted series 2019 where I explore the unique nature of horses born with a coat of spots. The Appaloosa.
https://www.instagram.com/gracecostaphotographer/?hl=en
https://open.spotify.com/show/5hvhpoDshNMpD32qDC0BQX?si=dc84b48fd5614b79
-
Hilary Warren
‘Noisy Miner’ 44 x 44cm $350
Hilary Warren is a Canberra-based printmaker specialising in Photopolymer Photogravure. She uses her own photographic images to create etched plates using this technique. Her work focuses primarily on images from nature.
The artwork is a hand coloured intaglio print created from a photograph taken in ourgarden of a Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala), an Australian native bird that is well known for its aggressive behaviour in defending its habitat.
-
Irene Harmsworth
‘At the Table’ (pictured) 100 x 75cm $3,750
‘Pink dress Sydney with parrots’ 60 x 80cm $2,250
Pink Dress Sydney with Parrots and At the Table are paintings that were fun to paint. The Blue birds were an experiment with acrylic ink while the other 2 paintings were in a traditional technique of oil on canvas. Inspiration can be from where I live and wildlife that surround the area and often visit my backyard.
-
Jeanette Muirhead
‘Glossy Ibis at Jerrabomberra Wetlands’ 91 x 68cm $375
‘No Chips’ (pictured) 64 x 41cm $350
I’m a Canberra-based painter working in watercolour, oils, and acrylics. My practice focuses on the environment, capturing local natural scenes and moments. With a background in biology and environmental science, I’m fascinated by the effects of color, light, time, and form in nature.
My work reflects close observation, inviting a deeper look at our connection to the natural world and the built environment. From landscapes to microscopic views, my art spans fleeting moments of changing light to vast geological timescales, encouraging reflection on our place in the world.
-
Joshua Maxwell de Hoog
‘Forever Dreaming, That Is Both The Blessing and The Curse’ 90 x 75cm $1,150
In this pencil on paper work, I have illustrated Mother Earth as a central divine feminine figure, from which all things grow and all things return. I wanted to explore the idea of motherhood, care and our inherent need for connection to nature. The lighter sketcherly drawing style of the central figure is intended to highlight the spiritual world that exists within nature, whilst the dense darkness of the surroundings showcase our more common lived reality and the separation between divine and profane. I have titled this work; Forever Dreaming, That Is Both The Blessing and The Curse.
-
Julie Ockert
‘Hinterland Cows’, 53 x 43cm, $829.00
Julia Ockert is a Canberra-based artist who specialises in bright watercolour and oil paintings. Her work explores a variety of playful, nostalgic and ‘dopamine decor’ subjects, ranging from flowers to pastel landscapes. Through her art, Julia aims to capture the beauty of stillness and to encourage a sense of nostalgia, joy and comfort to her audience. Julia sees art as a means to connect with others, which is ultimately what inspires her as an artist.
This artwork was inspired by the many NSW South Coast road trips I've taken with my sister. I loved watching the expansive green hills and lush surroundings of the area float past while we endlessly drove around with no real destination. I aimed to fill this artwork with the same joy those memories bring me.https://www.instagram.com/juliaockert/
https://juliaockert.com/ -
Justine Spina
‘The Upcycled Hercules: A Toast to Sisyphus’, 45 x 45cm, $895
‘Sir Swoopington IV’, (pictured) 30 x 40cm, $695
‘Where You Go, I Go’, 60 x 60cm, $750
I’m a Canberra-based artist working in bold colour and brushstroke to explore the emotional and often overlooked connections between humans and animals. My practice spans semi-abstract portraiture and narrative-driven pieces that reflect both personal and universal experiences — from fleeting joy to long-standing companionship. With a background in digital transformation and a lifelong love of storytelling, my art celebrates the hidden tenderness and unspoken loyalty in everyday moments. -
Kara Pryor
‘Pork Chop’, $380
Kara Pryor has been a Ceramic Artist for over 30 years. She has a Advanced Diploma in Ceramics, which she achieved at Brookvale TAFE in 2015. Kara continues to make and teach ceramics to both children and adults. Kara is both Artist and Ceramic Artist.
Each piece I create is handbuilt, one-of-a-kind, and full of the character and quirks that make dogs so lovable. I live with rescue dogs, and they’re constant reminders of joy, resilience, and individuality - all things I try to bring into my ceramics.
This doggie is named Pork chop, because he is a breed that is sometimes frowned upon and people think that they are aggressive, but really, I think half the time it is the human they live with that makes them that way. All dogs just want and need love.
-
Kate Davis
‘Entwined’ (pictured), 76 x 101cm, $2,020
‘What’re you Lookin’ at?’, 61 x 76cm, $1,655I am Kate Davis, a Sydney based artist with a background in Archaeology (Macquarie University) and Film (SAE institute). My work is shaped by a lifelong connection to Australia’s native wildlife and inspired by moments in time that reflect my affinity to place and memory.
I gather my inspiration where I feel most grounded and connected to Australian nature, from remote parts of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia to the Garigal National Park just outside of my art studio. My art provides a glimpse of our wildlife’s character, and shows what moments you could see if you look closer – like a pair of birds tucked in close after a storm, or a chameleon melting into the colours of the canopy.
Ultimately, I aim to reflect not just what I see, but what it feels like to be there, to pause and share space with these animals in their environment.
-
Kathryn Scott
‘Sega’,51 x 42cm, $250
Kathryn Scott is a Canberra-based artist who has taught art in the school system for over three decades and, more recently, in the Fundamentals course at the Canberra Art Workshop. Mainly a painter in oils and acrylics, her picture-making is diverse in materials, methods and techniques, encompassing drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, sculpture and mixed media.
While the subjects of her work mainly include the human figure, portraits and landscape, the variety of approaches ranges from representational, expressionism, the metaphysical, symbolism, to abstraction. She has had two successful solo exhibitions, exhibits regularly in group shows with CAW, and her work is held in many private collections.
Sega - A faithful family companion sustains household equanimity.
-
Kelly Anne Shaw
“I See You Too” 76 x 76 cm $650
My work begins in stillness, among the quiet rhythms of my garden and the land around me. I listen to the silent labour of growth and the flicker of wings in sunlight.These are the subtle signs of nature, often overlooked but always present. Withcharcoal and acrylic, I try to give voice to what usually goes unsaid. Charcoal, raw and earthy allows me to draw directly from the rhythm of the natural world. Its marks are gestural, like fleeting shadows or whispered thoughts.
Brushmarks of quality acrylic bring light and layering in a way that builds stories, capturing not only what is seen, but what is felt. Each painting is an act of reflection and reverence. I take time to observe, to notice the quiet resilience in a wilted flower, the grace of a bird resting, the cycle of life renewing itself season after season.
-
Kelly Casey
‘Juno’ 60cm x 40 cm Acrylic on canvas $990
‘Pink and blue blanket’ 90 cm x 110 cm Acrylic on canvas $1450
Kelly Casey is a Canberra based artist, living and working in the Snowy Monaro region. The artist shares:“I’m presenting two pictures for ‘Anamalia’. Both portraits of animals who are loved and who share my life. It’s possible to miss the opportunity that painting animals presents. But I have always felt that they can be so much more. They can be painted with atmosphere, they can be emotive and they can commit memory to canvas. What can be better than that…”
Kelly paints animal portraits on commission and can be contacted through the gallery or directly.
Instagram: @kellycaseyart
Website: www.kelly-casey.com
Email: kelly.casey@live.com.au
Mb: 0427 153 431
-
Kirsi Reinikka
"Story boards" triptych (2025), each panel is 15x90cm, $300 each
Animals, real or imagined, often appear in my 'psychologically realistic' paintings. The images tell stories and reflect my memories, moods and current affairs. My art making process is intuitive and often compulsive. I use art to relieve my feelings, to survive and to enjoy life. There is no right or wrong way of looking at my paintings.
Insta @thisiswhatiseeandfeel -
Kylie Heslop
'Hey Up There in the River Red Gum', 121cm x 76cm $1,800
This painting was inspired by a visit to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where I had the chance to get up close to some of Australia’s most iconic animals. Meeting the koalas and learning about them was a truly memorable experience, and I created this piece to capture that connection and preserve the feeling of the moment.
Koalas have always been one of my favourite animals. I painted them nestled in a river red gum tree—one of their preferred habitats—to reflect both their natural environment and the calm, curious personalities I saw in them that day. This work is both a tribute to these beautiful creatures and a way of remembering that special encounter.
-
Lex Sorrentino
“Unicorn’ Artstone and apoxie sculpt over wire armature, with glass eyes, hardened fabrics standing on wood 63 × 60 × 18cm $850
‘Greyhound’ Artstone and apoxie sculpt over wire armature, with glass eyes, hardened fabrics standing on wood 65 × 50 × 22 cm $750
‘Wall Trophy’ (Wall hanging) Artstone and apoxie sculpt over wire armature, with glass eyes, hardened fabrics $550
‘Fish’ Artstone and apoxie with glass eyes and hardened fabric $950
Lex Sorrentino has been pushing the boundaries of mixed media clay art. As a self-taught sculptor, her minimal training has been a liberation, allowing her to approach clay with refreshing freedom and no preconceived notions of its ‘proper’ use. -
Maria Grainger
‘Phoebe’, coloured pencil on card, 30 x 30cm, $460
I am a Canberra-based artist specialising in pet portraiture.Coloured pencil is my preferred medium, using the meditative layering of tones to create texture, depth and meaning. Through the pencils, I aim to achieve a quality in the subject’s fur, features and background which give the viewer an almost tactile experience, evoking the velvety softness of a dog’s coat, the warmth of their gaze, and the simple joy of spending time with a beloved canine companion.
This work captures the unique incongruities of the Italian Greyhound, a breed which simultaneously exudes strength through their determined stare and vulnerability in their delicate frame. Phoebe’s quiet fortitude and elegance give her a noble demeanour which is echoed by her opulent surroundings. But nothing can distract from those knowing eyes and that soulful gaze that every dog lover knows all too well.
@fuzzydog_creative
-
Maria Sankey
‘OWL’, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 40cm, $150
‘EAGLE’, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 40cm, $150
‘GREYHOUND’, acrylic on canvas, 45 x 45cm, $250
I am a visionary artist bringing over 30 years of self-taught expertise to my landscapes and abstracts crafted in oils and acrylics. I once won top honours in the International Tenant's Day Art competition inspiring a vision for a brighter more vibrant urban future. -
Marisa Guerrero
‘DIFFERENT BY NATURE’, clay, acrylics, and wool materials, 55 x 45cm, $250
‘Different by nature’is a work that celebrates uniqueness and difference. Inspired by the figure of the black sheep—a symbol of individuality and nonconformity—this piece reflects a deep admiration for everything that strays from the conventional.The work honors the women of Borregas 71, an exceptional group of 52 women who, from the age of four to 54, have shared a journey marked by the courage to be different. Over the years, they often took on the role of the '“black sheep” defying expectations and building a story of sisterhood, resilience, and humor.
“Different by Nature” is not only a representation of individual uniqueness, but a reminder that different is beautiful.
Pinterest: Australoca
Facebook: Marisa Guerrero Blazquez
Email: marisacanberra@gmail.com
-
Marisa Martin
‘Tilda’ , 20 x 10cm diameter, $425
‘Girl with her cat’, 40 x 30cm, $450
Here I have a painting and a sculptural work that explore identity and the emotional landscapes of girlhood through the lens of pop surrealism.
Featuring original characters they blend innocence with the uncanny, offering a playful yet introspective narrative about becoming: whether it’s a girl becoming a cat, or a doll coming to life.
I have spent the last 25 years as a filmmaker and award winning stop-motion animator, so storytelling is a big part of all my work. -
Megan Shakeshaft
‘Staring Contest’ 22.5 cm X 30.5 cm. Acrylic on Canvas $350
I found my subject after my childhood pet and best friend, Tigger, passed away and I remembered her through paint. In that work, Tigger was sleeping peacefully, smiling. This is at odds with her personality which was loud, nosy, and spoilt - and knowing that whilst presenting a different side of her brought me joy. That's what I like about cats. They can be the most relaxed creature one minute and slightly threatening the next.
The cat in this work is my niece. So called because she is treated like a human child by my brother and his wife. This piece shows the first time I babysat Leelah. She would wait around corners, staring at me and hide beneath the bed if I got too close. At other times, she was curious enough to cuddle up to me and bold enough to poke my face if I didn't feed her on time. I wanted to show this shy but inquisitive nature by capturing Leelah's piercing stare and the tilt of her head that tells you she's working you out.
-
Melissa St John
‘Role Reversal on the Checkered Stage: Grace meets power under a lone star’ Charcoal drawing on paper. 30 cm x 35 cm $450
My latest piece “Role Reversal on the Checkered Stage,” depicts a black swan and a white horse on a minimalist chessboard, spotlighted by a solitary star. The swan, poised mid- stride, confronts the powerful steed, each figure embodying grace and authority in uncertain dialogue. This work explores the dynamic interplay between these two majestic creatures, highlighting the tension and harmony that exists between them.In this work, the board’s empty squares symbolize the boundless possibilities that emerge at life’s crossroads. I invite my viewers into that space to consider how fate, destiny and free will influence our decisions, shape relationships and ultimately our sense of individual power. The solitary star serves as a beacon of hope and guidance, illuminating the path forward as we navigate the complexities of life.
-
Miles Hale
‘The greater glider’ Gouach 42.5cm x 24.5cm $700
Greater Gliders are the world's largest gliding marsupial and live along the east coast of Australia. They are highly dependent on their forest habitat for their diet and the hollows where they live and breed, but extensive logging, fires, and climate change has put them at risk of extinction.A portion of proceeds from the sale of this artwork will be donated to conservation efforts by the ACF.
I am a Sydney-based artist working primarily in gouache. I have had a love for the natural world since I was a child, and natural elements are the main features and inspiration of my artwork. I hope you enjoy my artwork!
-
Neil Lade
‘Crazy Critters’. Acrylic and pen on paper 50 cm x 40 cm $350
Neil Lade is a Canberra-based artist and long-term Ainslie resident. He has juggled art and words from his early teens. In 2011, he retired from journalism after 40 years in newspapers, magazines and government work. Now in his early 70s, he balances art and words with family life. His art is inspired by many things on the abstract expressionist and surreal sides. He’s sold or gifted many artworks to private collectors and friends, and has had several solo exhibitions.Crazy Critters is a fun piece – a mixed-media work in black pen and acrylics. All animals are imaginary, including the humans. None were harmed in the making of the picture.
-
Rebecca Hanrahan
‘Silent Flight’ Acrylic on Canvas 51cm x 61 cm $400
‘Secrets’ Acrylic on Canvas 51cm x61 cm $400
‘Witness’ Acrylic on canvas 40 cm x 40 cm $400
Right now, I'm creating abstract pieces on canvas, treating them a bit like drawings—layering, playing with structure, and seeing where the composition takes me.I'm also always working on a series of smaller works on paper—things like collages, drawings, and mixed media pieces, usually smaller than A3 in size. It's an ongoing part of my practice and something I keep coming back to.
-
Sally A Wright
‘Away with the birds and beetles’, 30 × 40cm, $350
Currently studying at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT), Sally Wright is a versatile and dynamic artist known for her diverse artistic styles and mixed media works. While she explores a broad range of subjects and techniques, her true passion lies in capturing the human form through expressive portraits.
In a dreamscape a young girl rides a giant black bird across a sea of sky. With her golden crown of rays and wind blown dress she embodies the spirit of childhood, when friends are all manner of giant creatures and the world is held together with magic. The red ribbon of fate binds the trio together in their adventures into imagination and whimsy. The surreal scene captures the nostalgia of childhood, and friendships that shape us and linger no matter how far we fly.
Instagram: @sally.wright.artist
-
Sarah Gowland
‘Trace of Blue’ Mixed media and oil on canvas ( saved with sustainable oak) 43cm x 43 cm $1350
As a mixed media artist, I explore subjects with layered textures and expressive colour, working in a style of abstract realism. My limited collections are influenced by personal landscapes and memories, with iconic Australian birds a favourite. These familiar species evoke a strong sense of place, recalling childhood summers, beach days, and the seasons that influence our daily life and shape our country.They can also be viewed on my website with staging: sarahgowlandartist.com
-
Sarah Richmond
‘Out of the dust’, mixed media and oil on canvas, 60 x 80cm, $1,200
‘I am Here too’, mixed media and oils on canvas, 60 x 80cm, $1,200
‘Bush Cackle’, mixed media and oils on canvas, 60 x 80cm, $1,200
I’m a mixed-media artist, experimenting with materials like inks, spray paint, markers, crayons, collage, acrylics, and oils. My style blends abstract realism, focusing on bold, colorful layers that bring animals, birds, and portraits to life. I enjoy finding personality in my subjects, layering loose energy that culminates in the depth and detail of oil paints.My work reflects my belief in the power of color to evoke joy and freedom. I create vibrant, quirky pieces that bring positivity and energy to any space. My art is an expression of happiness, made with love for both the colors and the feeling they inspire.
-
Siina McCallum
'Albatross', oil on canvas, 61 x 61cm, $400
With a focus on tone and composition, my work explores our connection to our emotional experience and the natural world. I paint intuitively, using acrylics and oils I aim to move out of my head and into my body—allowing emotion to guide a raw, layered, and sometimes playful process.Much of my inspiration comes from memory and experience, it could be anything that leaves a resonance in me. One of the most formative has been my childhood summers in the Finnish archipelago, where I lived with my family in a century-old fisherman’s cottage. The deep sense of belonging I felt there continues to shape my relationship with the land and story.
Website: siinamccallum.com
Instagram: @siinamccallum
-
Tush Gerebtzoff
‘Bear’ Coloured pencil 32cm x 42 cm NFS
‘Finn the giraffe’ Coloured pencil 32cm x 42 cm $2460
‘Miniature puppy’ Coloured pencil 30cm x 43 cm $2580
‘Scram the sphinx cat’ Coloured pencil 29 cm x 29 cm $1360
I am a coloured pencil artist. I started drawing around January of last year (2024). Prior to that, I have not picked up a pencil since high school which was 35 years ago.
Recently I decided to attempt animal portraiture and have been challenging myself with drawing different types of animals in order to build up my techniques drawing fur, feathers, scales, etc. Drawing animals is SO much harder than drawing people!!I would like to undertake commissioned artworks for people that are looking for that special piece to commemorate a loved one (whether it be a human or animal).
@tkg.pencil_passion_art
-
Warwick Mahoney
‘Escape’, acrylic on canvas, 60 x 50cm, $400
‘Sparrow Café’, acrylic on canvas, 60 x 50cm, $400
‘Off Leash’, acrylic on canvas, 60 x 50cm, $400
My family and I relocated to Canberra from Sydney 18 months ago, and about 10 months ago I joined volunteers doing art restoration work at the SIEV X memorial at Weston Park. This has not only been an extremely worthwhile use of a Vis Arts degree, but it has also put a brush back in my hand and reignited a passion to paint my own work again after a long career in teaching.When I came across the invitation for Animalia, I thought I could contribute. Animals seemed to play a part in much of my work and there was a lot of animal life literally outside my window on and around the lake.
