23/08/2026
Sharing my art process on a live stage was both intimidating and exciting. I first began using swag canvas while working on an isolated cattle station in the Kimberley region. It was there, without a local art shop, that I recovered an old discarded swag to use as a backdrop for a portrait in the Kimberley Art Prize.
That year, I was completely outside my comfort zone. Being forced to grow and adapt to my surroundings made me a better person and artist. My experience on ABC iview Portrait Artist of the Year has been another season of challenges, new friendships, and growth.
How lucky to not only meet Troy Cassar-Daley in person and hear stories from his early days of swagging it on tour, but to also have the opportunity to draw him 😍
Thank you to the incredible staff behind the scenes who gave us this amazing opportunity and made us all feel comfortable capturing this, as well as the kind and welcoming hosts and judges. Meeting you all in person after watching Season 1 was very special: Miranda Tapsell, Luke McGregor, Abdul Abdullah, Bree Pickering, and Dr Robert Wellington.
A huge thank you for the heartwarming comradeship of the artists I had the pleasure of working with: Chris Arnol, Gene Hart-Smith, Elena Churilova, Sophia Masters, Jarrod Prince, Xanthe Muston, Cheriece Brown, and Sidney Ella Kelly.
The biggest thank you goes to my incredible Xin Jie. Having you along for the ride was grounding and settled my nerves throughout the long day of shooting. Sharing this experience with you makes the whole thing all the more special. Anyhow, I better just post this now and join you outside for our art session on this beautiful day!!
The show airs tonight August 23 at 7.30pm on ABC TV and is also streaming on ABC iview.
