Nell was raised in the south west of Western Australia. She predominately worked in graphite and charcoal in her 20s. Traveling extensively called for a creative practice that was light on the luggage. Nell is now a wife and mother to two teenage stepsons and a 6 year old boy. These new roles have changed her perspective on life and herself. Developing calmness and cultivating the patience required for long hours refining the practice of oil painting.
Shadows and negative space have always been strong features of Nells work. The shadows signifying long lasting effects of internal monologues and life experiences. As an introvert Nell was always comfortable being alone and this is evident in her use of negative space. Allowing the paintings to breath and command their own place in the world.
More recently Nell has been exploring attachment and memories in physical objects. The feelings and memories brought up by objects from the everyday can bring us comfort but also help to tell our story to future generations. In tangible objects than can be gifted and shared
Established in 2021, the National Emerging Art Prize was created to provide an annual, highly visible national platform to identify, promote and support the most promising emerging visual and ceramic artists in Australia.