Lovely to meet other artists and organisers of this year’s Gallipoli Art Prize in the Rocks, Sydney. Congratulations to the winner Luke Cornish!
Gallipoli Art Prize 2024
Delighted that my painting ‘The Jigsaw’ has been selected as a finalist in the Gallipoli Prize this year.
Artists statement:
This work depicts my mother Diana, 83, doing a jigsaw with my son, 11.
The images on the jigsaw pieces are the few photos that we have of Diana’s mother, brother and father Sgt. Phillip Brain, an RAF engineer who was killed aged 27 in WW2 (himself the son of a Gallipoli survivor).
Subsequent to his death, my mother’s life changed unimaginably - the toddler siblings were separated and did not reconnect until their late 70s.
As with those trying to complete a jigsaw, my mother has spent much of her life trying to piece together her life storyfrom scraps of information – faded photos, other people’s memories; trying to fill the giant hole left by the untimely death of a father.
War children carry the grief and the sense of responsibility to share the story. Three generations are present in the painting. I am the fourth absent but loud voice, trying to make visible the generational trauma of war.
The jigsaw is incomplete; can never be fully pieced together. But in many ways as Diana sits with her grandson Sam, talking about her father Phillip, there is a sense of closure.
Oil on board with collaged letter, 2024
Winner Judith Perrey Award for best oil/acrylic in show 2023
Delighted to win this award for my portrait entitled ‘A long day’, oil on canvas, at the MSWPS Changing Perspectives Show 2023. The prize money will be put to good use at my local art store!
Highly Commended prize
Very happy to have been awarded a Highly Commended certificate at the Smallacombe Portrait Prize 2023. It was a pleasure to visit this lovely gallery in person and see the show. The winner Bruce Whately’s self portrait was stunning. Thanks to the judges and staff at Gallery One!
Finalist in the Smallacombe Portrait Prize
Very happy to have two works heading to Adelaide in a couple of weeks to participate in two separate award shows. The Smallacombe Portrait Prize theme this year is ‘Self portraits’ and for this I have submitted ‘Self with imaginary tattoo #2’
Finalist in the Kennedy Prize 2023
Very happy to have two works heading to Adelaide in a couple of weeks to participate in two separate award shows. The Kennedy Prize theme is ‘Beauty’ and for this I have submitted ‘Sam breastfeeding his babies’
Artist statement: This portrait depicts Sam, aged 2 1/2, playing at breastfeeding his babies.
Here Sam is in a liminal space between uninhibited toddler roleplay and societal gender expectations that subsequently shaped his perception of how boys behave.
It was a time of beautiful self-confidence where Sam’s understanding of his identity and potential was without limits.
Finalist in the Gallipoli Art Prize 2023
Delighted to have my portrait ‘Frontline’ accepted for the 2023 Gallipoli Art Prize in Sydney. The prize theme is aligned with the clubs motto: ‘…..loyalty, respect, love of country, courage and comradeship which were personified by the heroes of the Gallipoli Campaign’.
My great grandfather Walter Cecil Brain fought in and survived the Gallipoli Campaign and so the theme is of personal poignancy to me.
My work depicts sisters Ange and Trish Kelly, who worked together as nurses in the Emergency Dept at Royal Melbourne Hospital during a surge in the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ange and Trish are shown having just removed the cumbersome PPE they wear to protect themselves and others at work. The resultant lines left by the masks are etched deeply into their cheeks and across the bridge of their noses.
Ange says ‘Covid has stripped me down’. She no longer bothers to fuss with grooming hair, fingernails, or makeup - sweaty PPE and constant sanitising render it pointless. Lunch breaks are functional rather than social; extra hours are spent in infection prevention. Often short staffed due to Covid-19 infections and isolation requirements, ED staff rely on teamwork of colleagues to meet extraordinary clinical demands and ensure the best outcome for patients.
The sisters talk warmly of the resilience, respect, courage and comradeship of their colleagues and how supported they feel amongst their team. In this context it felt important to paint both sisters together. In this painting they represent a homage to all those who toil selflessly and at great personal risk for the benefit of others.
Winner of the Baldock Family People’s Choice Prize
So thrilled to have been awarded the $15000 People’s Choice Award at the Lester Prize 2022. I feel very honoured that my painting resonated with so many people and received the most votes. Being part of the Lester Prize two years running has been a special experience. Thanks to all involved in running the exhibition and to the Baldock family who sponsor the award. Photo courtesy of The Lester Prize
Semi-finalist in the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize 2022
Very happy to have my painting ‘Frontline’ chosen as a semi-finalist for this excellent portrait prize. The painting depicts sisters Ange and Trish Kelly, both clinical nurses who worked together in the RMH Emergency dept during the Covid-19 crisis. I’ve portrayed them having just removed their hot and cumbersome PPE; the mask lines are deeply etched into their faces. These women and all frontline workers are absolute heroes and I’m glad that their faces and story are being seen by a wider audience.
‘Breathe’ in the ABC news
Interesting article about portraiture and judging of Portrait prizes in the ABC news on Friday. Lovely to see my portrait ‘Breathe’ as the fronting picture for the article.
https://amp.abc.net.au/article/101482046
At the Lester Prize show 2022
Wonderful evening of viewing art and meeting other artists at the opening of the 2022 Lester Prize show in Perth. Fabulous to be a part of it again this year.
The Lester Prize 2022 opens on 30th September at the Art Gallery of WA
The Lester Prize is calling for volunteers if anyone is interested. To find out more visit: https://www.lesterprize.com/supporters-partners/volunteer
Finalist in the Lester Portrait Prize 2022!
Thrilled to be a part of this show again this year. It is held at The Art Gallery of WA from Oct 1st.
This painting of my son Charlie is a felt response to the nearly two years that Victorian families spent under harsh lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic. It was particularly hard for our kids who missed out on so many life experiences. At the end of the third lockdown we just wanted to throw off our masks and restrictions and BREATHE……
Small works on show in Brunswick
I have eight small works on show at Baba Hawker Malaysian restaurant at 148 Sydney Rd, Brunswick from 26/5/22 to 26/6/22.
The works respond to a loose theme of ‘light’; exploring the transience of atmospheric light and its effect on colour in the natural world.
if you are in the vicinity, pop in and see the art over a cocktail and some amazing food!
My portrait in the SBS Portrait Prize
Lovely to visit Mornington today to see the SBS show in person. My painting of Flynn is hanging amongst some spectacular portraits. If you are in the area, I highly recommend a visit. The show is in until May 29th
Finalist in the Southern Buoy Portrait Prize 2022
Lovely to be included again in this year’s SBS portrait prize. The show opens, and winners will be announced on April 16th at SBS Studios in the beautiful Mornington Peninsula
Interview with Katrina Germein - Instagram @katrinagermein
Drover, written by Neridah McMullin and published by Walker Books
Readers will love it because
It’s an exciting true story with lots of drama and interesting characters (both human and bovine!)
Storytime idea
Think about the food the drovers ate and brainstorm why that kind of food might be good for long journeys. Draw a picture of your favourite foods.
Creative life
The hardest thing about making this book was making sure that my illustrations accurately depicted Australian 1950s life, flora and fauna, landscape and buildings. Also, I had to learn a lot about cattle!
Advice for creators
Put your heart into everything you do.
Unique appeal
It is a true Australian story and will hold interest for all members of the family. Children will love the excitement of the chase scenes and the naughty cattle. The main bullock character ‘Shifty’ is depicted somewhere in every scene, so they can have fun playing ‘spot Shifty’ as they look through the book.
As a true Australian story about a female drover in the 1950s there is lots of scope for discussion about gender roles and how life is similar, or different to today.
A final word
I hope you all enjoy reading our book!
Interview with Neridah McMullin, children's book author
Neridah is the author of our children’s book ‘Drover’, which is based upon the true story of Edna Jessop (nee Zigenbine), Australia’s first female boss drover. Drover is published by Walker Books and is available in all good bookshops and online from September 8th.
Hi Neridah and thanks for joining my blog.
When did you start writing and what attracted you to the world of children’s picture books?
I started writing for children about twelve years ago. I had a rush of inspiration when I had my youngest child. I’d stopped working, so I had more time. Well, snatches of time. I self-published my first picture called ‘Ponkidoodle’ about an imaginary friend who lived in the roof. I then wrote some historical chapter books for the Collingwood Football Club and wrote Kick it to Me, the story of Tom Wills. My obsession with Australian history grew from there.
What are your main inspirations?
Australian history and courageous, resourceful, sincere people.
Can you tell us a little about the process of writing a children’s picture book?
Non fiction narrative style picture books, like DROVER, are usually around 600 words. I write the first draft to tell the story, and I don’t limit my word count. It might be 2000 words. The goal is for me get the tone, and the heart of the story right. Then I work in reverse, and whittle it down to as fewer words as possible. It might take 20-30 drafts. It might take me weeks to write a picture book, it might take years.
Middle Grade fiction is similar, but a longer process. I usually write about 30,000 words fast and in one go (no interruptions so I move out of home to do it), then I nut out the story arc in depth (the heart of the story), and then re-write/massage the manuscript to meet my story arc. 20-30 drafts later, I’m up to about 40, 000 words, with a much more rounded, balanced story. I never send anything underdone to a publisher, they’re always fully polished and ready to go when I hit that send button.
Wow, that’s a huge process! Thanks for explaining that.
How did you come across the story of Edna Jessop and what attracted you to it?
I’d always wanted to write a book about a drover. My grandfather went droving at 14 years of age. I loved the idea of being at one with your horse, moving sheep or cattle over great distances, in wide open, fenceless country. I’d grown up with these iconic, Australian stories.
So, over the years, I just kept searching for a droving story I liked. I was listening to an oral sound recording at the NLA (National Library of Australia) about drovers, when I stumbled upon an interview of Edna. I fell in love with her. Her life, her attitude and her courage and resilience. Edna is my hero.
Mine too! I think children everywhere will feel inspired by her
Which is your favourite part of the Drover story?
Sighing at a peachy dawn is pretty darn good, but the rush scene is my absolute favourite. Galloping blindly into the night sounds insane. It’s exciting and dangerous, and drovers did this sort of stuff all the time. Your illustrations for the rush scene are magnificent, Sarah.
Thank you! Your writing is so evocative and provided wonderful inspiration for the illustrations.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Sit at your desk and do the verk (thank you to my wonderful Duck pond community, Girl & Duck, Jen Storer).
Always ask yourself what is the heart of my story? What am I trying to say? And write every word to honour it.
Find yourself a good editor.
Any projects coming up that you would like to share with us?
My next picture book is about a very famous, Australian shearer…coming out with Walker Books Australia in 2022.
How exciting, I can’t wait to see that one.
Thanks for the chat today. It was lovely to learn about your personal connection to droving. The love of the land and history shines through in the story.
Neridah has written many other children’s books. You can check these out on her website:
Home · Neridah McMullin
Finalist in the Kennedy Prize 2021
Delighted that my painting of my son Sam will show in the Kennedy Prize in Adelaide this September. The theme is Beauty. I reckon the kids fits 😍. Disclaimer: may be biased.