Finalist – Noosa Portrait Prize 2025
I’m so proud that In My Own Hands was selected as a finalist in The Non Gallery’s Noosa Portrait Prize. This exhibit celebrates bold, thoughtful portraiture, and it means a lot to have this piece included alongside so many powerful and moving entries.
The exhibition runs from June 11th - 27th, 2025, at The J Theatre in Noosa, curated by The Non Gallery with support from Noosa Council and the Regional Arts Development Fund.
In My Own Hands
Digital Pencil
210 x 297 mm
‘In My Own Hands’ is a self-portrait that redefines what it means to be a hero. Three years ago, I felt I had lost it all—a career-ending wrist injury and a diagnosis that I would never draw again. But I chose to fight for myself. I could have let that be my story, or I could change it. This portrait of a younger me is my hero because, when no one came to save me, she chose to save herself.
The result is a hyper-realistic, monochromatic drawing that reflects quiet strength and conviction. Its black-and-white palette speaks to the stark clarity of that moment, and the serene, determined expression captures the resilience that carried me through. Created using a fusion of traditional pencil techniques with modern digital tools, this artwork represents both my artistic evolution and personal growth as a young woman and artist from Brisbane, Australia.
I’ve been drawing portraits for over ten years now, capturing couples, families, pets, homes, all their quiet moments, big stories, and everything in between. You can explore more of my portrait work here on my website or over on Instagram.
If you’re interested in commissioning a meaningful portrait of your own, you’ll find all the details on my Commissions page.