I started my career in 1980 as a designer, pattern-maker in the fashion industry, having completed a Diploma of Arts in Fashion at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. From 1987-1991 as well as working I studied Fine Art part-time at East Sydney Technical College (now the National Art School) attaining a Certificate of Fine Art. By 1993 I had developed a style I was happy enough with to hold a solo exhibition of paintings at The Sydney Cover Oyster Bar, Sydney.

In 1995 I became a full-time mother and all other work was put on hold until I returned to study at Meadowbank TAFE, with a Statement of Attainment in Advanced Drawing in 2000 and a Statement of Attainment in Sculpture in 2001. I continued to develop my art, leading to making my own Perspex frames for solo exhibitions at A-SPACE on Cleveland in 2002 and 2003.

Early in 2005 I discovered a way of making jewellery out of acrylic (Perspex) and have been pursuing that form of art ever since. I cut, sand, bend, dye and engrave all pieces by hand and enjoy discovering how far I can push the limits within this medium.

Maureen Van der Giessen Images

Over a ten year period I have developed a style of miniature painting on brooches and watches, specialising in roses, pansies, violets and such, as well as Australian wildflowers and birds.

My work will continue to lean towards Australian wildflowers, and I am now starting to use gold leaf. Some of my work is now in Russia at the Zhostova Factory, in Germany and in other parts of Europe and America.

I studied with Mary Neilson School of Interior Design, 1 year Seaforth TAFE, Colour and Design, 1 year. Employer of 11 people, supplying craft items to the Queen Victoria Building, Sydney, 5 years. Studied Folk and Decorative Art under Pam Jones and Doris Tschipan. Teacher, Folk Art Studio, 7 years. Attendance at major craft conventions.

Helen Cunningham Images

I create ceramic jewellery and artistic textiles which capture the distinctive themes and breathtaking colours of Australia.

Born in Warsaw, Poland, I arrived in Sydney in 1990 and since then, have been developing my very own unique jewellery and wearable art. My jewellery collection includes handmade costume jewellery; necklaces, pendants and earrings in magnificent lustres, reflecting oceanic greens and blues, sun drenched earthy reds and purples as well as glowing gold from Australian mines. My textile range features highly elaborate shawls which are made using a combination of ancient and modern techniques to fuse silks, wool, gauze and netting. Each shawl is a unique creation of colour, texture and theme. They can be worn or draped over a lounge or displayed as a wall hanging.

I am continuously researching and experimenting to ensure that my creative output is always original and inspiring.

Grace Levis Images

My lifelong interest in all forms of art led to courses in oil painting, water colour, pastel and pencil and the most challenging of all, china painting, for which I have received a number of awards.

I wish to continue to develop my own methods of painting Australian themes including birds, animals and wildflowers (plus roses and other flowers) in Soft Technique. A recent addition of glass painting, an extension of china painting, is self taught.

After three years of private lessons with Carole de Franco, I was fortunate to attend demonstrations and seminars with the late June Kay and many local and overseas teachers.

Hazel Coleman Images

By using colour, design and fine cutting I aim to create unique pieces of decoupage that are functional but timeless in their appeal. I mix my own paint colours for backgrounds and constantly experiment to find new ways to present my work. I work on goose and emu eggs and wooden boxes mainly, but occasionally decoupage under glass and on ceramics.

My Dutch background gives my work a European flavour.

My initial training was with Val Lade. Since then, as a member of the Decoupage Guilds of NSW, Victoria and Queensland, I have attended workshops to fine tune the many techniques required to complete a piece of quality decoupage.

Marlies Benjamin Images