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Adult Art
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WINNER BMCC VISUAL ARTS PRIZE "Topography of Cicatrix" by Mishi Fox
The painting ‘Topography of Cicatrix’ is the first of a series of artworks titled ‘The Scar Series’, which is part of a larger body of work titled ‘Catalyst’.
In July 2024 I was badly injured in a house fire. The result was a large third degree burn across my right thigh, and additional scarring over my left leg and hand. ‘Topography of Cicatrix’ is an intimate conversation with the major scar on my leg. The process of creating this painting involved closely studying my scar - taking photos; zooming right in; following every line and divot - for hours upon hours. Physically, my leg had healed, but through this process I was able to marry my physical healing with my emotional journey; I was able to appreciate not only my body’s incredible ability to heal, but to also truly connect with the new normal of the appearance of my body - and what that means for me, as a woman in this world. Having experienced serious body image issues throughout my life that had significantly impacted my mental health, this accident was the catalyst to genuinely break free from the societal expectations of body image that had defined much of my life. This is why I chose a colourful palette instead of only flesh colours. I wanted this painting to be beautiful- because ultimately this is not a story of suffering, but of liberation.
In July 2024 I was badly injured in a house fire. The result was a large third degree burn across my right thigh, and additional scarring over my left leg and hand. ‘Topography of Cicatrix’ is an intimate conversation with the major scar on my leg. The process of creating this painting involved closely studying my scar - taking photos; zooming right in; following every line and divot - for hours upon hours. Physically, my leg had healed, but through this process I was able to marry my physical healing with my emotional journey; I was able to appreciate not only my body’s incredible ability to heal, but to also truly connect with the new normal of the appearance of my body - and what that means for me, as a woman in this world. Having experienced serious body image issues throughout my life that had significantly impacted my mental health, this accident was the catalyst to genuinely break free from the societal expectations of body image that had defined much of my life. This is why I chose a colourful palette instead of only flesh colours. I wanted this painting to be beautiful- because ultimately this is not a story of suffering, but of liberation.
WINNER "The Stone Giant’s Dream" by Alan Bridges
I never really know what I am drawing. I like to sketch very quickly and freely until a more complete idea emerges. Then I spend a long time refining and carving out the idea from the original sketch. This artwork had 51,444 total brush strokes and was drawn on my iPad using a graphite pencil brush in the procreate app.
HIGHLY COMMENDED "Untitled" by Kevin
Judges comments: "More than any other artwork, this work evokes what I perceive to be a lived experience, shut down, alone, defeated. Very poignant and well drawn."
WINNER ARTISTS CHOICE "The Labyrinth" by Rhonnie Toole
The Labyrinth is a mixed media painting using watercolour, inks and coloured pencil. Inspired by the ancient labyrinth, it reflects the journey of life - moving inward to the centre and outward again, navigating dead-ends, spirals, circles and roundabouts. The interplay of bright and subdued colours mirrors the rhythm of life itself - its surges and pauses, its moments of joy, struggle and renewal.
"The Bus Stop" by Mr Claif
You can catch the bus alone or with friends.
"All Together" by Mr Miyagi
A celebration of difference.
"Hazelbrook" by Betty Smith
Hazelbrook is my eighth painting in my series of Blue Mountains towns. Hazelbrook is a heritage listed town due largely to its Federation style architecture. There are many family bush walks amongst the beautiful flora and bird life which then lead to waterfalls suitable for swimming. There is evidence of aboriginal occupation dating back 7,000 years in the water wells near Gloria Park. Hazelbrook residents open their gardens to the edible garden trail and the Mid Mountains Garden Festival.
"Betty the depiction" by Michelle Bowen
Betty was a very good friend who passed away at 92. She enjoyed a glass of Chardonnay with her cigarette and always had an interesting tale to tell.
"Home" by Nat Tomlins
Whenever I spend time away from home there is one image that I return to, in my mind's eye, again and again. Having walked the cliff tops around my home over this last two decades, it is the same view of the Three Sisters, who I know in every season, and at any time of day. I can conjure this image for myself and am flooded with the safe feeling of home. It is a view of the Three Sisters that hides all of the human development around Echo Point, a snapshot back to a time when this place was untouched, and treated with the respect of the sacred. This view was painted during my first stay in the PTSD ward at St John of God Hospital in February of 2025. The image is my grounding reminder of home; of cool clean air; of belonging to a place and time bigger than any one of us; and of my love and respect for the country I live on, its long history, and its first peoples, whose connection runs deeper and longer in this place than any other.
"Hope" by Nicole Canales
Hope.
"Honey Ants" by Russell
" A Good Traveller" by David Santleben
Cruisers, whom know “the score”, know this
"The Old Truck" by Penn
"Breathing beyond the to do list" by Jade Forder @ Creative Abyss
We get so carried away with life and family and our to do lists that we often put ourselves last. If we do do things for ourself, it comes with guilt. If I am stressed, wound up or unsettled, the easiest pick me up is to go outside and admire my garden. I notice what birds and bugs are around. I observe the plants and tree. I breathe. I take my shoes off and ground. Can you relate? What do you do to recalibrate? Plants from my garden were used to print the background.
"Skins" by Catherine Thickett
Upon leaving COFA, I fell into shame, having created confronting and experimental art – which I was and am again proud of making. Back home, I burned nearly everything - a new source of shame. Skins was painted in under an hour, using a teaspoon and an offcut – things I had on hand. I forced myself to paint self-portraits at my lowest, undiagnosed, burnt-out and mid-meltdown, using a medium that I am not proficient in, to lean into the discomfort. The work symbolizes the various masks I use as an autistic, bi-polar person, and that sometimes, none of them work anymore.
"Night Sky" by Sassi
"Teatime" by Shep
My work is created on individual dried tea bags. Each one represents the Flora, Fauna and special places in the Blue Mountains. This is my backyard, a place of peace and beauty, a place to create and feel free. My artwork is something that helps me feel confident, allowing me to grow.
"Lumen" by Hannah Bowman
When living with a lifelong mental illness, moments of calm and serenity feel all the more precious. I wanted to capture the fragile beauty of peace, with the quiet knowing that shadows always linger.
"Nature saves your marbles" by Ed Spear
Good reminder that if you feel like you’re losing your way go out into the bush and you’ll feel better
"Internally Drowning" by KK
"Astro Kitty" by David Bryant
I have painted over 40 paintings + This is my 6th painting by number. "Astro Kitty" was given by 1 of good support network
"Bunny" by Rebecca
"The Collector" by Garth Alamangos
This work is inspired by my eccentric friend Glenny Hilder for his compulsive urge to buy cds.
"Ghosts" by Jennifer Burrell
Homage to Picasso's Two Trees (1907)
"Abstract" by Russell's tantrum storm
A brain storm.
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