We spoke to fish and nurtured flowers, coaxed drops from the clouds or salt from the waves.

To find her subjects, Kerry seeks images and themes gleaned from a number of popular culture and classical sources. Circe, the sea nymph enchantress that makes a brief appearance in Homers Odyssey, stars in a modern novel by Madeline Miller. Miller explores themes of Mortality, Fragility, and Fulfilment. Etymologically, the word ​nymph is related to the Greek word for bride - and as Kerry just got married what better inspiration for her next painting! So named after a few lines in the novel from the beginning of Chapter 1, where Circe describes what a nymph is - and how her parents defined her (something Kerry can relate to). Here is an excerpt:

"WHEN I WAS BORN, the name for what I was did not exist. They called me nymph, assuming I would be like my mother and aunts and thousand cousins. Least of the lesser goddesses, our powers were so modest they could scarcely ensure our eternities. We spoke to fish and nurtured flowers, coaxed drops from the clouds or salt from the waves. That word, nymph, paced out the length and breadth of our futures. In our language, it means not just goddess, but bride."

The canvas is covered in Japanese Rice Paper to give a lovely texture that is akin to the movement on the surface of water. And, as with most of Kerry's paintings, she has painted in layers. The background using action painting (expressionistic) techniques - pouring, dripping, splashing paint and involving her body in the painting process rather than just the paint brush. The figure was created using contemporary art pop art techniques and stencils, and a further layer of hand painting brought the foreground and background together. Mostly consisting of greens and blues, Kerry has also used complementary colours purple and yellow to highlight the dress in the sunlight under the water.

Professionally stretched, signed on the back, ready to hang and enjoy!

Follow

Kerry Inkster is a distinguished visual artist celebrated for her profound exploration of women’s stories and experiences through mixed media. Her mission is to make art for quiet women who've been told to be smaller, so they can remember they have something powerful and valuable to offer the world. At the heart of her artistic practice lies an unwavering commitment to amplifying narratives that reflect the depth, complexity, and resilience inherent in womanhood.

Through her underwater photography, Inkster captures the transformative relationship between women and water—a powerful symbol of emotion, fluidity, and rebirth. Each photograph invites viewers to engage in introspection while revealing the challenges, triumphs, and intricacies that shape women's identities.

Her painting practice further delves into the complex tapestry of women's lives, utilising colour, form, and texture to embody the myriad emotions that accompany their diverse experiences. The layered canvases serve as a visual language, offering audiences a space for catharsis, inviting them to confront their relationships with themselves, femininity, power, and vulnerability.

Inkster's innovative techniques and emotive narratives foster meaningful dialogue surrounding gender and empowerment, while her commitment to community engagement includes volunteering at local galleries to nurture emerging talent.

A graduate of The South Australian School of Art / University of South Australia, Inkster has established herself as a significant figure in contemporary art, showcasing her work nationally and internationally in esteemed galleries and exhibitions, including an Artist Residency with Comebeck Ltd in Germany. A multiple award finalist, with her work housed in notable collections, she remains a pivotal voice in the art world.

Kerry Inkster currently resides in Fish Creek, Victoria, Australia, where she continues to evolve her artistic journey, dedicated to illuminating women’s voices and experiences.