Gill's journey as an artist is deeply rooted in her upbringing on a sheep farm in East Gippsland, where she developed a profound connection to the land and nature.

This connection remains a driving force in her creative endeavours, now as she lives and works on the Mornington Peninsula.

During her time studying painting at RMIT from 1976 to 1980, Gillian found herself immersed in the vibrant artistic scene of urban Melbourne. It was here that she was introduced to Australian and American abstract expressionism, which greatly influenced her artistic style. She began experimenting with layering paint and colours, as well as incorporating gestural symbols into her work to infuse it with energy, form, and strength.

After completing her postgraduate studies in painting, Gillian was awarded the prestigious RMIT Travelling Scholarship. This opportunity allowed her to embark on a transformative journey through major European galleries, where she encountered the works of renowned artists such as Matisse, Van Gogh, and Picasso.

These experiences broadened her artistic horizons and further fueled her creative passion. Upon her return, Gillian transitioned from inner-city Melbourne to suburban Ivanhoe, where she continued to exhibit her work in group shows. She explored semi-abstract expressionist subjects, including landscapes, vibrant flower paintings, and striking still lifes.

Her move to Red Hill in 1990 marked a significant shift in her artistic focus, as she began capturing the beauty of the Mornington Peninsula's vistas and abundant produce.

Throughout her career, Gillian has established herself as a respected community artist, exhibiting her work extensively, running a local gallery and shop, and undertaking numerous commissions.

Her art has garnered recognition through local awards and has been collected both locally and internationally.

Gillian's artistic journey is marked by a spirit of exploration and experimentation. She embraces diversity in mediums and subjects, allowing her intuitive response to guide her creative process.

For Gillian, art is not just about creating visually appealing works but also about expressing inner emotions and discovering beauty in the process.

Exhibitions

2025 Christmas Show Manyung

2025 Spring Fever, Manyung gallery Art & Design

2025 Winter Wine Exhibition Manyung Gallery Mt Eliza

2025 Summer Soiree Group Show, Manyung Gallery Sorrento

2024 Peninsula Panoramas, Manyung Gallery Flinders

2024 Spring Fever, Manyung Gallery Art & Design

2024 Walking Through Frankston Group Printmaking Show, FAC

2024 Summer Soiree Group Show, Manyung Gallery Sorrento

2023 Nature, Group Show, Manyung Gallery Sorrento

2022 Going Fishing, Group Show, Manyung Gallery Sorrento

2022 Summer Soiree Group Show, Manyung Gallery Sorrento

2021 Summer Soiree Group Show, Manyung Gallery Sorrento

2020 Shortlisted, SBS Landscape Prize

2017 Whistlewood, Shoreham, 'Sense Of Place' group Summer Show

2017 Manyung Gallery, 'Backyard and Veggie Patches', joint exhibition

2015 Red Artists Gallery, group show

2015 Merricks House Gallery, solo exhibition

2011 Manyung Gallery, group show

2011 Art Melbourne, exhibitor

1999–2014 Red Hill Cool Stores Gallery, represented

1997 The Art Shed, Red Hill, ‘Fantasea’

1996 Café La Strada, High St Armadale, 'Celebrating Life'

1996 The Art Shed, 'The Garden Party’

1996 Noels Gallery, 'Spring On the Peninsula'

1995 A.R.T. Gallery, Collins St, Melbourne, 'Harvest Exhibition', 'Spring Exhibition', and 'Cornucopia'

1995 Papillion Jewellers and Gallery, Malvern

1995 Fitzroy Gallery, group show

 

Education
1976-1978 – Bachelor of Fine Art (Painting) RMIT

1979 – Post-Graduate Diploma Fine Art (Painting) RMIT

1983 – Diploma Education, Melbourne State College

 

Commendations & Projects:
2020 Shortlisted SBS Landscape Prize

1998 Best Flower Painting, Flinders Art Show
1996 Best Drawing, Hastings Marina Art Show
1995 Best Painting, Flinders, Art Show
1994 Best Flower Painting, Flinders Art Show
1992 Best Watercolour, Hastings Marina Art Show
 

Publications

Coast Magazine 2017 Issue

Country Style Magazine 1997