about — Joanna Darby

Responding to the natural environment, I work primarily in acrylic painting and drawing, focusing on the features and details of the landscape and themes related to the landscape. Landscape painting is not just about contemplation of place- but place in time, which is the contemplation of change and mortality; a contemplation of tragic and beautiful histories, and the hope that is birthed in these tensions. Connecting with these stories helps us understand where we are and when we are, but I also believe that engaging with these stories helps us understand who we are.

Most of the work happens in my home studio, but it nearly always starts en plein air - gathering sketches on location and then continuing the work back at the studio. For me, art is storytelling and thought processing and a constant conversation.

My art has hung in galleries in Newcastle, Sydney, Canberra and Port Macquarie, as well as local cafés and waiting rooms. It has also appeared on two books covers (which is a stunning privilege) and an album cover (which makes me feel like a rock star). There are pieces in private collections in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA and UK...and quite a few are at my mum's house. Although I have an art degree and have returned to the same institution as a sessional lecturer and demonstrator, I have much more learning and growing and discovering to do - a whole lifetime of it.

I grew up on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales, but have called Newcastle (NSW) home for the past 18 years. I have an incredible husband and two fantastically energetic sons.