Artist Statement

Predominantly my paintings are representations of industrial buildings, structures and apparatus that exist in the everyday environments we live in. Whether still in use or a relic from the past, there is a real beauty in these subjects. The colours, textures, lines, form and the shadows they cast, or how they integrate into their surroundings, all play a role in my work. 

I am interested in the fact, that one way or another many of these structures have afforded humans comfort and convenience and ultimately they have been constructed by us. Yet, they often go unnoticed or more usually are viewed in a negative way, as an eyesore or blight on the landscape.

This juxtaposition in many ways, is the underlying theme of my work. 

On another level my compositions aim to represent these structures with character and narrative. Sometimes as a detailed section or part of a piece of engineering, other times with the structure as the hero in their location or interacting with their natural environment.

My creative process involves travelling locally and beyond to find interesting scenes and subject matter. I sketch and take photographs for detail and colour reference, formulating compositions which are then mostly painted in acrylic on board.

The aim is to present these structures to the audience in such a way they might question the idea of them being attractive in their own right. Or more importantly see them with a new perspective and as integral parts of our surroundings and modern existence. Something worthy of appreciation, admiration and beautiful in their own unique and purposeful way.

Biography

Onela grew up in Australia and studied Graphic Design at Charles Sturt University. Although she was always interested in fine art her painting career started some years later, when she was living in Bristol UK. Travelling extensively throughout Europe and other parts of the world during this time she took inspiration from urban settings. She became a member of Jamaica Street Studios (JSS) in 2008 which provided a platform that lead to gallery representation and group shows at the Royal West Academy of England and the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.

In 2016 Onela returned to Australia, her place of birth. Influenced by the American Precisionist’s she was keen to investigate both rural and urban settings in her home country and her work developed with more focus on industrial subjects. During this time she was selected as a finalist in three Art Prizes (Hornsby Art Prize, Muswellbrook Art Prize, John Leslie Art Prize) and in 2019 she exhibited successfully at The Other Art Fair in Sydney.

In July 2019 Onela commenced a residency above the arctic circle in a small village called Stamsund on the Lofoten Archipelago, Norway. In 2020 she had a successful exhibition – ‘Iconic Stamsund’ – featuring paintings of structures that are integral to the identity of the village, which is largely focused on the fishing industry.

Currently living in Sevilla, Spain, Onela recently had her second solo exhibition in the Andalusian capital and is working towards further exhibitions.

Solo Exhibition
La Mirada del Viajero: Galeria Taberna Anima, Sevilla, Spain

Solo Exhibition
Doctor Bar, Sevilla, Spain

Solo Exhibition
Iconic Stamsund: Stamsund, Norway

Residency
Stamsund, Norway

Exhibition
The Other Art Fair: Sydney, Australia

Finalist
John Leslie Art Prize: Gippsland, Australia
Finalist
Muswellbrook Art Prize: Muswellbrook, Australia

Finalist
Hornsby Art Prize: Sydney, Australia

Exhibition
Jamaica Street Artists Open Studio: Bristol, UK

Exhibition
Jamaica Street Artists Open Studio: Bristol, UK

Exhibition
Jamaica Street Artists Open Studio: Bristol, UK

Exhibition
Inside Out Exhibition, Royal West of England Academy: Bristol, UK

Solo Exhibition
Severn Shed: Bristol, UK
Exhibition
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery: Bristol, UK
Exhibition
Jamaica Street Artists Open Studio: Bristol, UK