MINDIL
$2,000
Mindil Beach in Darwin has held a special place in my heart from the very first time I visited. This place always brings me an overwhelming sense of well-being. The calm sound of families and friends sitting together with their toes buried in the warm sand, feeling the last rays of an orange, smoke-filled sunset touching their skin, and children playing at the water’s edge, building sandcastles—all create a serene and joyful atmosphere. The glorious scents of the dry season markets, floating on a light breeze, add to the magic of this place.
When I painted this scene, my intention was to capture the very essence of Mindil Beach, evoking feelings of joy and happiness. Influenced by the works of Kevin Yaun and Richard Schmid, I have employed painterly brushmarks, alongside a strong use of light and shadow, to bring this scene to life. My aim is to not just depict a place, but to convey the deep emotional connection and sense of peace that this beach inspires within me.
Oil on stretched canvas
1200 x 1000cm
Artist Statement: Residing in the Northern Territory, I am a full-time creative privileged to live and paint on Larrakia Land. Born in Albany on the South Coast of Western Australia, I now call Rapid Creek my home, where the diverse and vibrant landscapes of the Top End provide boundless inspiration for my studio practice.
From an early age, storytelling through art has been my passion. My work aims to engage viewers, inviting them to share in the experiences and emotions captured within each piece. I am particularly drawn to reimagining the fleeting, magical moments encountered during my travels—whether it is the synchronised flight of a flock of Corellas or the evocative expression of someone recalling a distant memory. Painting for me is a meditative process, a state of bliss that fuels my creativity.
Primarily working with acrylic paint on stretched canvas, I appreciate the medium’s versatility, allowing me to move fluidly between thick, textured layers and delicate, intricate details. Recently, I have also fallen in love with oil painting, which I now use both in the studio and for en plein air work, further enriching my artistic repertoire. My art is characterised by the use of rich colours and dynamic textures, often presenting a realistic portrayal of subjects imbued with an intriguing narrative twist. Through my work, I strive to evoke the same sense of wonder and joy that I experience, celebrating the intricate beauty of moments in the great North of Australia.
Influenced by the likes of Arthur Streeton, American artist Jim McVicker, and Western Australian artists Greg Baker and Alix Korte, my artistic journey continues to evolve. My accomplishments include winning the Pine Creek and Coomalie Council Art Awards (2022), the Katherine Town Council Art Award (2019 & 2021), the Rights On Show Award (2021), the People’s Choice Award for the Wagait Art Prize (2019 & 2021), the Seabreeze Festival (2019, 2021 & 2023), and the Portrait of a Senior Territorian Award (2019 & 2023). Notably, my work has been acquired by the Northern Territory Government’s Araluen Art Collection
Contact Tactile Arts on 08 8981 6616 or admin@tactilearts.org.au to purchase.
