Style Artist

Tarn Mclean chats to Style

Tell us a little about yourself...

My early years were spent in Sydney as a boarder at Tara Anglican Girls’ School. While at Tara I spent more time on the sports field than in the classroom. On leaving Tara I worked at Lawson’s Fine Art Auction House at The Rocks in Sydney before heading for the outback. I met my husband Jondy at Mitchell. During our 13 years at Tullochard, a sheep and cattle property nearly 800km west of Brisbane, we raised two children and I pursued my passion for gardening, began to paint and commenced studying Fine Art through Curtin University. I studied full-time at U.S.Q. after moving to Toowoomba and in 2016 received a PHD in Visual Art (Painting).

Describe your style...

It is both abstract and representative. The works I exhibit in the Grammar Art Show are based around botanicals and expanding them into textile designs.

What inspires you?

Making beautiful spaces using colours from the earth.

When did you start painting?

In 1999 when I was expecting our second child Sara Jane – we previously had a son Oscar.

How has it evolved and what has ináuenced this?

My work evolved from painting plants from my garden, then nudes and onto landscape and botanicals. My most significant influence has been the clients who love what I do. This form of giving and receiving is so fulfilling.

Why do you enjoy painting?

I use painting as a tool, which enables me to reflect the world around me through colour.

What are some of the highlights/ favourite moments/greatest achievements in your artistic life?

My greatest highlight is connecting with people through my art and design, and seeing them enjoy what I do. This is a constant achievement in my everyday life.

What do you like about Toowoomba?

As an artist I love that it’s a Garden City and full of inspiration. Its regional location secures it as a great cultural centre. This allows me to be creative and to avoid being caught up in any cultural trends.

What is your dream goal or project?

My dream goal is to live a life enriching the lives of others through painting and designing as well as further investigating the academic side of my Painting practice.