Artwork Explained: “I Am Australian”

The ‘Artwork Explained’ Blog series is where I share a bit of information behind some of my Artworks. This can include the mediums used, the incentive behind creating them, the story behind them or what was happening in my world during that time. I take caution in not explaining too much about what the artworks represent, as I would like to adhere to my belief that Art is always perceived uniquely to each individual.

I AM AUSTRALIAN In 2014 I had just taken the leap into starting up my own small business. I called it “Wizard Portraits” (after my pet horse, Whiz) as in the initial start-up of my business my intention was to only draw portraits.

The small town I grew up in, Narrogin, supported me beyond what I had ever anticipated, and so when the annual Narrogin Agricultural Show announced its arrival just around the corner, I had gained enough confidence in myself and my Art to create a piece to put into the Art Competition. The theme for the competition was to be country/agriculture themed, and so after a small amount of deliberation I came up with my idea: a self-portrait surrounded by the landscape of the Australian country lifestyle.

Growing up, my Grandparents had a beautiful sepia-toned Art Print of a woman’s face embedded into the trunk of a tree, surrounded by animals of all sorts. I would stare at this piece all throughout my childhood, completely mesmerized by the intricate details, and how the Artist managed to effortlessly blend so many different images into one piece. I believe this planted a seed for my own Artistic style, as I attempted to create something similar with this particular piece.

I had never drawn something so big (A2), and so exciting! After each image was drawn I was full of excitement and anticipation for the next, and the next, and before I knew it the drawing was complete. I had enjoyed myself so much that I didn’t even care if it placed in the competition.

The day of the show arrived and I was full of nervous excitement. My then-boyfriend’s mother accompanied me to find out if I had placed in the competition, and to my absolute delight I had won first place! A few other pieces

I entered, including a family portrait for my then-boyfriend’s family, and a portrait of his dog as a puppy, had won placements, too. ‘I Am Australian’ won the People’s Choice Award, and earned itself entry into the following year’s Perth Royal Show, where it was awarded ‘Highly Commended”.

Due to the fact that this piece was a first for me in so many aspects, I have decided it will remain within my family as a reminder of the start of my journey. That- and the fact that my mother has claimed it and refuses to let it go…

Until next time, keep creating.

Madeline x