Growing up in ‘the bush’ in Victoria, Australia, I spent my days outdoors with my brothers. I was fascinated by nature, spending many hours catching skinks and climbing trees. My love of the natural world eventually led to a career in science working on threatened species and provides the motivation for my artwork.
I am a self-taught artist and starting drawing and painting during a period of protracted illness. I prefer working with watercolour and gouache, but also experiment with pencil, relief printing and acrylic paint. I have adapted my watercolour painting style to create detailed, multi-layered artworks to achieve a depth that portrays movement and realism. My goal is to encourage viewers to develop a deeper connection to, and appreciation of, the often overlooked intricacies of nature.
In addition to nature based art, I create pieces that depict my own personal struggles with mental health. My hope is that these artworks may resonate with those who struggle with and those who strive to understand mental health challenges.
Awards
“This work meets the criteria set for the award in relation to coming together both in the literal sense of the collaborative work but also speaks to a broader conversation around solidarity, and the very pertinent issue of protecting the country and threatened species. The artists coming together to unify their practice to speak to this important issue shows a respect for each other's cultures and sciences, and a determination shared to protect the freshwater turtle into the future. Rochelle Patten is also a Senior Elder and knowledge holder, and her cultural artistic practice is significant to the state of Victoria and in highlighting country and animals. The work is cohesive with the two artists' styles coming together seamlessly and in dialogue with each other. This is a visually stunning work and has great conceptual depth and a warm collaborative approach.”
Kimberley Moulton - Writer and Curator, Senior Curator at Museums Victoria
2023 - Banyule Award for Works on Paper
Aunty Rochelle Patten and Katie Howard
Winners with the collaborative piece ‘Bayadherra’