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The inspirational beauty of the bush

A move to Tasmania was just the ticket for artist and student Pamela Horsley.

Pamela Horsley has been a busy woman her whole life. But between a midwifery/maternal and child health career, living in developing countries and raising a family, she always found time to keep her creativity alive.

Now as a student in her first year of a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours, she is producing more art than ever- and she has no plans to slow down.

Pamela’s monoprint triptych Who Goes There? was a finalist for the prestigious Glover Prize, and she’s already planning her next big project. 

I did not realise the magnitude of being in the Glover and my work sold, which was lovely.

“The whole thing was such fun,” she said.

“I have to give Dr Antonia Aitken a big hurrah. I’m so glad she pushed me just that little bit more.”

It’s not the first time Pamela’s art has been recognised. Her work has been nominated for multiple accolades, including the Bay of Fires Art Prize and the Sir John Sulman Prize.

“I’ve had five solo exhibitions and I’ve got another one in June at the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery,” she said.

Pamela came to Tasmania five years ago as an artist in residence at Poatina. She now lives there and is an active part of the small community’s thriving artistic life, facilitating the Poatina Tree Gallery and connecting with other makers. The beautiful bushland surrounding her home is a key source of inspiration. 

I come home, and I feel like my senses have been really stimulated by just walking. I see beauty absolutely everywhere.

Studying at the University is giving Pamela the chance to not only further hone her skills, but to work towards her next big project.

“I find it all very stimulating. Last year the highlight for me was printmaking. I felt so enthusiastic about wanting to do more of that, and very encouraged. I loved that,” she said.

“What I’m really loving this year is the theory (Critical Practices 2A) where we’re doing curating. It’s wonderful.”

Pamela believes there are clear advantages to studying as a more experienced artist. 

The fun part about it is you bring your life experiences with you. The mature students have already been thinking, perhaps for years, about what they find exciting.

“I just wish there were five more hours in a day!”

Interested in Fine Arts? Apply now to study a Bachelor of Fine Arts

https://www.utas.edu.au/courses/cale/courses/13r-bachelor-of-fine-arts