Deb Michell-Smith

196 McKenzie St, Narrabri, NSW 2390, AU

Hello Cocky, 2024

ACRYLIC ON CANVAS
63 × 63 cm
As an artist based in regional NSW, my work celebrates the everyday life of agricultural Australia. I draw inspiration from the wonderful colours and inherent beauty of the places and spaces that define daily existence here. My artistic journey delves into the natural landscape and environment of my regional home, exploring the intricate connections between nature, people, and agriculture. Through my work, I unravel the layers of life in regional Australia, highlighting the bonds with people and places, memories, and the surrounding environment. In “Hello Cocky,” I have tried to capture the essence of noisy sulphur crested cockatoos in outback NSW. This painting portrays the striking beauty of the outback landscape. The sky is so big, blue and endless and the plains go on forever. The repetitive nature of my brushstrokes mirror layers of memories. So many souls have gone before us and so many will go on after us. Life is but a fleeting moment out there. My art practice is influenced by Wendy Sharpe, Sidney Nolan, Juli Allcorn and Kathrin Longhurst.

University of Southern QLD, Bachelor of Visual Art, 2000

I am a daily painter.
I live and work on a cropping and cattle farm in regional NSW.
I love texture, repetition and pattern.
My paintings capture snapshots of life. Often views of wildlife or portraits. I enjoy mixing colours to paint people and precious moments that reflect a feeling or memory.
I work in acrylics on canvas and I find repetitive brush strokes addictive.

*Stanthorpe Art Prize – Finalist – 2D – Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery QLD – 7 Sept- 10 Nov 2024
*Unveiled – Runner-Up – Emerging Artist – Aspire Gallery Brisbane QLD – 1 July – 4 August 2024
*The Doyles Art Award – Finalist – Landscape & Figurative – Mudgeeraba QLD – 27 June – 7 July 2024
*Art Unlimited – Winner – ABC Western Plains Prize – Dunedoo NSW – 22-30 June 2024
*Fleurieu ArtHouse – Finalist – Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize – McLaren Vale SA – 8 June – 14 July 2024
*SOLO Exhibition – ‘Souvenirs of a Sojourner’ – Narrabri Art and Craft Gallery NSW 19 April – 29 April 2024
*FINALIST – JOHN VILLIERS Outback Art Prize – Winton QLD 23 March – 19th May 2024

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