artist kristine pedler

It is a brave and determined soul who changes career and life direction while those around them keep on their steady paths. Four years ago Kristine Pedler took herself back to school - art school, that is, after years of working in the travel and health industries. The gamble in herself paid off. Not only did she complete the course successfully, winning an award along the way, but she's also exhibiting at Sydney's Washhouse Gallery - "Points of View" opens December 8 and runs until January 31.

Which five words best describe you? Adventurous, fun-loving, determined, patient, resourceful.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? Waitress in a Chinese restaurant at 16. Then many and varied – researcher, hot air balloon pilot, expedition cook, Himalayan guide, naturopath, health promotion officer, drug counsellor, executive producer... I could go on.
What’s been your best decision? To follow my heart and go to art school (four years ago) - the Sydney Gallery School at Meadowbank TAFE.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Winning a drawing prize in my first year of study - that showed me I was on the right track.
What was the starting point for this exhibition? Standing in the rose garden of Old Parliament House in Canberra and watching a bee burying itself in the petals. Actually it goes back much further - to pouring over art books as a child (my father was artist Max Pedler).
Who inspires you? Nora Heysen, Margaret Ollie, Tim Maguire and all artists who dedicate themselves to their work.
What are you passionate about? Being in the Australian bush, painting, printmaking, talking about art, and my life with my partner and children.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? To believe in myself and do what I truly love, and it’s never too late to start.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Cate Blanchett (I would love to paint her).
What dream do you still want to fulfil? To paint in Italy.
What are you reading? The artist’s way: a course in discovering and recovering your creative self by Julia Cameron.

images kristine pedler and washhouse gallery