The Archibald 2019

Aunty Esme and I were curated for the ‘Eorascapes’ duo exhibition in the Studio foyer at Sydney Opera house during the 2000 Olympics.

Truly a delight to be in the company of, we’d often cross paths at Boomalli, and I like many was always an admirer. Aunty is now celebrated as one of the longest practising Aboriginal artists on the continent, and being Bidjigal and a Koori from La Perouse makes her all the more special.

Aunty Esme gifted me a bucket of shells too large to use in her own ornate works. I always entertained the thought of adding shells for the ultimate homage. My trademark cracking represents antiquity of culture and in this case, the colouring directly reflects Aunt’s choice in many of her gorgeous creations. At the time we met for the initial sitting, Aunty Esme Timbery was preparing for her 88th birthday. I painted a sizeable study which is impressive in it’s own right and I loaned it to the family for her party at Yarra Bay Sailing Club. This is an immeasurable honour.