Kate Vella is a painter whose work is focused on capturing the essence of homegrown flowers, fruit and vintage crockery. Based in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, in Vella began pursuing her passion to paint full time in 2018 and has continued to learn practical skills and develop her own unique style. Largely self-taught Vella works predominantly in acrylics and draws inspiration from nature’s beauty. Her home and studio are nestled in a small village with the backdrop of beautiful farmland and the South Coast escarpment. Since her first solo show ‘Antidote’ in Sydney 2019, Vella continued to have more shows and collaborations, her work has been selected in various art prizes, most recently was a finalist in Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize 2020, Kangaroo Valley Art Prize 2020 and Meroogal Women’s Art Prize 2020. Vella’s work has attracted many private collectors across Australia and internationally.
“Nostalgia is an embodiment of work reflecting a deep connection to the still life genre. My priority and intention is to bring the viewer joy, and some comfort during these uncertain times. This is a collection of new works forming a narrative and to showcase many captured moments during different seasons throughout the year.
My ritual involves depicting anything I feel emotionally drawn to, my subjects are often objects that are interesting or functional, sometimes whimsy, then combining them with flowers and fruit. I particularly love seeds in cut fruit or the detail on petals and buds. I love the freedom to work loosely and explore with a rich palette, applying many textured layers and focusing on the correct light, with an emphasis on the exaggerated shadows.
Guided by my instinct my work continues to evolve and unfold, sometimes growing through moments of clarity, or through moments of doubt and challenges, which can be more rewarding”.
