It has been my privilege to be raised in Tasmania. What a great family life I’ve had. Dad created carpet designs in Birmingham, after attending art school/studies for 7 years. Mum was young, determined and fiercely independent. Having already worked in a local casino near Bewdley and picking strawberries. The opportunity to move to Australia for a new adventure was too good to pass up. Arriving with absolutely nothing materially, their hard work and determination paid off. 

Hiding in convict ruins, fishing in rivers around Richmond, swimming in the sea at Port Arthur. I can recall so many interesting things.

Early memories of my formative years are filled with history and nature. Long walks with no fear of harm; scrambling over lichen and moss-covered trees & rocks in ancient forests in our National Parks. Hiding amongst the manferns…throwing Twisties to wild trout in surrounding streams. .. even spotting albino platypus as I skinny-dipped in the freezing mountain water. We raised orphaned wombats, wallabies, possums and even a potaroo. Bike riding the networks of paths and avoiding snakes crossing! My childhood was unmatched in my humble opinion. I was certainly encouraged in every way, alongside my sister, to create, explore and find pleasure in our wild home. 

Ever since I first picked up a pencil I have loved to draw, sculpt & paint. My heart is full of love for this island home of ours. Our vast beaches provide a lot of inspiration for my art. The variety of creatures & plant life is amazing. It’s great now have the time to explore and experiment with subject and technique. Art has become a focal point.

I was fortunate enough to have my father Christopher Selby as mentor. Mum supporting every endeavour. My art teachers included Greg Waddle, Bob McMahon, & I was happy to work alongside Jonathan Bowden many years ago on a large screen-printing project at St. Giles school. A rainbow serpent. Also doing volunteer work in a large mural in the children’s ward of the old LGH with Chantal Delrue.

For approximately 8 years I flipped furniture, hand-painting and restoring. In November 2023 I realised I’d had enough of it. I dragged one of my large paintings from home to my market stall at Evandale, curious to see if it would interest anyone. A lady from the UK purchased it without hesitation! One thing lead to another, I sold 17 more paintings I’d created before giving up my furniture entirely. I’m truly humbled by the fact people are enjoying my work.

I’ve sold many artworks. Received a Judges Special mention at the Eskleigh Art Award, recently had an exhibition at the Windsor Gallery. I am having mild success at a gallery in Salamanca place Hobart.  Recently selling a large piece ‘Treasure of the Ocean’ to a Sydney buyer.

Woolmers is my first ‘proper’ exhibition & I am very happy with the marvellous venue and the response!