Zubair Safi, 2017, oil on masonite board, 100 x 133cm

There was instant easiness between Zubair and I when we met in the Australian Refugee Association, Adelaide office. My aim soon became to capture the gentle warmth in Zubair’s eyes, plus explore the darkness that he and his family had endured. At the same time, I wanted to acknowledge Zubair now, thriving and confident in his new environment. Standing strong in the dark, turning towards the light and looking into the future.
To honour Zubair’s culture, I worked from an image on his phone of his wedding day and also photographs I took of him at our first meeting at ARA. His wedding photograph inspired me to combine the Afghani national flower and the Australian national flower, therefore merging Zubair’s two homes in his heart space.


Len, 2018, oil on Masonite board, 111 x 121 cm

Here is Len in his typical state; at work in his high-vis, reluctantly indoors, ruminating on what else he “should” be doing. Despite his significant success in business, you won't find him in a business suit. Len is a business owner, philanthropist, plant operator, inventor, car enthusiast, bush mechanic and deep thinker. Also a rescuer of anyone who needs help, including elephants in Cambodia.


Dys-connected 2017, oil on canvas, 108 x 122cm

Painted in a manner that refers to a simpler time, yet the subject matter highlights contemporary phenomenon. A self-portrait with Leah’s children. Her eldest at 10 years old, along with her smartphone also in its 10th year. During the first 10 short years, it became the social norm to direct our energy and attention to our device. As a culture we have become distracted; no longer present and connected to the people in our immediate space. We may be physically present, yet we are emotionally absent, oblivious to our surroundings, disconnected from our bodies, lost in our heads.