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.

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

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

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.

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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

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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:

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