Mayfield Laneways (MAYFIELD QUADRIPTYCH) I: behind the Christmas shop II: waiting on the jacaranda III: the shed IIII: early morning calm, 2025

For the past three years, I have been painting the dunny lanes of Mayfield. Initially, I was drawn by curiosity and a desire to confront my fear of the “scary things that happen in lanes.” But the more time I spent there, the more comfortable and safe I felt. I discovered a hidden world of shade, unexpected colours, and community. To my surprise, the lanes are well used and quietly alive. Behind fences, I hear families engaged in leisure activities or renovations. People walking dogs or pushing prams stop to say hello and sometimes offer encouragement. This sense of community was something I hadn’t anticipated when I began the project. What started as pure surprise and pleasure at these spaces’ continued existence has grown into a deep, personal connection—I now call them “my beloved laneways.” These lanes are ever-changing. They bloom with new growth and blossoms, yet sometimes trees and shrubs are cut down, altering the views I painted just a year ago. Despite this constant flux, I am committed to continuing to paint their quiet beauty for as long as I am able. As a quadriptych the beauty of the laneways is evident – they just look so good together! They were completed over 2024/5

Name: Elizabeth Shoebridge
Mayfield NSW Australia

Phone: 0417 020 385

Education: Hunter Institute of Technology –
Advanced Diploma of Fine Arts 2000

Short courses with the following artists

Jane Guthleben
Pablo Tapia
Rachel Milne
Jacqueline Coates

Group Exhibitions:

‘Atmosphere’ 2024 – Arts for Health – John Hunter Hospital Rankin Park
‘Cash, Card, Carry, Claim’ 2025 – Creative Incubator Islington
‘Hunter Emerging Art Prize’ 2025 – Newcastle Art Space
‘Botanicals’ 2025 – Newcastle Art Space

Awards

5 x Staff Picked by Bluethumb Staff – 2025
1 x Team Wishlist award – Bluethumb – curated by Eden Young – 2025
1 x Room scapes: Art that Invites You In -Bluethumb – curated by Christina McDonald – 2025
Finalist – Hunter Emerging Art Prize – 2025

Public Collections:

John Hunter Hospital

Private Collections:

Newcastle and Mayfield NSW