Biography & CV
Background:
Elisabeth graduated as a teacher in 1987 and accepted many remote postings like a bush school in the Simpson Desert and an area school in Kakadu National Park. These vivid experiences fostered a profound understanding of isolation and space which have always been an underlying theme in her work.
After dedicating most of her young adult life to raise her family she enrolled in the Brisbane Institute of Art in 2004. Here her painting practice was mentored by the late Warren Palmer. During this time, she also expanded her repertoire to include printmaking. This has added depth and versatility to her artistic voice.
Influences:
Major influences in her art journey have been iconic Australian artists such as Russell Drysdale, Jeffery Smart and Bill Robinson as well as visionaries from the world of art and film, Shaun Tan and Wes Anderson.
Their compelling and at times humorous visual narratives have inspired her own exploration of storytelling through art.
Themes & Concepts:
Her early works primarily captured urban landscapes, showcasing light falling on everyday structures, iconic corner shops and milk bars. Her work spoke about an easy urban simplicity which was often humble and simple. Over time, her focus shifted to her current series, which reflects a changed, faster paced society as she perceives it today.
Her work now conveys a message of redefining these pressures, using familiar objects and animals from her environment in imaginative, personified settings to dramatize this perspective.
Achievement Highlights:
Local Contemporary Art Prize, Caloundra. Finalist 2025.
Clayton Utz Art Award, Brisbane. Finalist 2020.
Burnie Print Prize, Tasmania. Finalist 2017.
International Cricket Art Prize, Sydney. Finalist 2011.
Churchie Emerging Art Prize, Brisbane. Finalist 2007.
Lethbridge 20000 Small Scale Art Award, Brisbane. Finalist 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.
Other Achievements:
Elisabeth’s work has been selected as a finalist in many other awards including multiple times in the Stanthorpe Art Prize, Moreton Bay Regional Awards, Rotary Art Prize as well as being invited into the Tattersall Club Landscape Themed Exhibition.
Apart from local group shows she has had solo exhibitions in Brisbane with Perculator Gallery and Tiffany Jones Gallery. She has also exhibited solo at Art 2 Muse, Double Bay, Sydney.
She has had various Gallery representations with Tiffany Jones Gallery, Buderim, C-Studios Newcastle and The Levee Gallery, Maitland.
Acquisitions & Collections
Her work is part of the Moreton Bay Regional Art Collection.
Various private collections both in Australia as well as overseas.
Awards:
2023 Lethbridge 20000 Art Award. Highly Commended.
2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 ‘Inspired’ Printmaking Prize. Winner.
2018 ‘Inspired’ Painting Prize. Winner.
2013 Royal Queensland Art Society - Diversity in Print. 3rd prize.
2012 Brisbane Institute of Art - Printing Prize. Winner.
2007 Churchie Emerging Art Prize. Judge’s special mention book prize.
2007 Pine Rivers Art Prize. Highly Commended.
2004 Brisbane Institute of Art. Metcalf Award.