Kathy Ellem
Biography
In 2002 Kathy Ellem started painting and embraced the challenge of becoming an artist after trying a series of other more logical career options including teaching, financial analysis, biology and naturopathy. Kathy struggled particularly with drawing, but acknowledging weaknesses and spending time developing these skills makes her believe that persistence, over talent, leads to success.
Born in 1975 and growing up on an apple orchard in North East Victoria, Australia, and then later living on remote cattle properties with her husband Chris and two children, challenged Kathy to be creative with the business side of art. A growing frustration at the portrayal of those involved in agriculture gave Kathy the ‘why’ for her work, wishing to quietly share that there are many who see themselves as stewards of the land.
Over the years Kathy has developed a very unusual connection to draught animals particularly horses. Interestingly after being bucked off a horse as a child she actually detested them. But painting those seemingly gentle giants has won her over. Kathy has also found great friendships with their owners and admires their commitment to preserving history. ‘As I paint I find myself reflecting on the values of commitment, hard work and steady calm strength’.
Creatively, Kathy loves the challenge of capturing accurate detail whilst also placing gems of pure colour only evident on closer inspection, using loose mark making techniques to create the impression of 3D form.
Notable awards include:
• National Equine Art Prize, Australia, First Place, 2017, $10,000
• First place in 2D and awarded Christine Drewyer Award of Distinction, WAOW, USA, 2018
• Best in show, WAOW, USA, 2020.
• John Villiers Outback Art Prize, First place, Winton QLD, 2020, $10,000
• Bright Autumn Art Show, 2022, Best in show.
• Currabubulla red cross art show2022 and 2023, Grand Champion.
Featured in Art of the West Magazine, Australian Artist Magazine and Outback Magazine.
Annual solo exhibitions until establishing my own gallery in Beechworth in 2018.
Awarded two Australia Day medals for contribution to Culture 2012, and member contribution in 2014.
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