I'm pleased to announce that I have been selected as a finalist in the City of Perth Black Swan Portrait Awards with a portrait of Sam Kutner OAM. The exhibition will be held from the 25th of September to the 5th of October in the Perth Town Hall, Perth WA. So it will lovely to have a little break with the family over in Perth.The subject for the award had to be either well known or highly respected in their field. Sam Kutner OAM, is a highly respected and extraordinary inventor who devoted his multitude of skills and talents in a voluntary capacity, inventing mechanical and electronic aids for people with disabilities. He has made a profound improved difference to the lives of disabled individuals, their families and carers. His inventions have featured on the ABC science program Quantum and The New Inventors and in 2005 was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for his services to the community.
I was so in awe of all the different inventions Sam had created specifically to suit individuals that I felt compelled to paint such an amazing humanitarian. Sittings with Sam were very relaxed and interesting, so I wanted to portray him as I saw him, having a cuppa and a chat with an old friend. He is a remarkable reminder to us that good things do happen in the world.