Kerrie Speirs

Artist Educator

I grew up in Iluka, which means ‘by the sea’ in Indigenous Yaegl language.

A coastal town shaped by the Clarence River, world heritage rainforest,
salty mangroves, abundant wild life and since childhood has been my
home and creative muse.

I enjoy exploring, observing and responding to the coastal environments
that continual change, a humbling reminder that change is inevitable and
constant. Changing tides, shifting seasons, and universal elements -
water, fire, air and earth, inform my art making concepts and innately my
life and all life on earth.

Walks in nature are essential to my art process. Bare footed, with pencil
and paper, I venture down into the forest, immersing and grounding
myself, undergrowth at my feet, canopy above beyond my reach,
eventually emerging along the coastline, finding coastal reefs and riparian
zones teeming with life.

In studio I work on paper and canvas, creating layers, textures and depth
whilst aiming to capture a sense of movement in my art work. My art is
abstract, symbolic and allegorical in meaning and style. My aim is not to
respond to just what I see but to that which is felt and experienced whilst
exploring environments.

As an artist educator I work with all ages and abilities. Facilitating Creative
Kids Classes, Youth and Adult Workshops, one on one private art tuition,
in Yamba, Maclean and Iluka. I work with community groups, local
council, government organisations and NDIS clients, aiming to teach and
engage with diverse creative practices.