Oil on canvas, stretched and ready to hang.

Signed on the back.

Owen is an eleven year old boy with autism. During 2020 Owen has faced many challenges. Owen moved 600 kilometres across Western Australia and was looking forward to starting a new school. On the first day, Owen broke his leg and was unable to attend. Then Covid-19 struck, which meant he spent nearly four months away from school without any opportunity to meet new friends. Owen is an intelligent student; his academic achievement is of no concern. What Owen was most wanting was to make new friends, despite his autism. I have attempted to capture Owens sense of seclusion that he has felt for months. Despite this, and not knowing anyone at his new school, Owen delivered a leadership campaign speech in front of the whole school, with a full leg cast and on crutches. He was successful and was appointed Deputy Technology Minister.

*Winner, Inland Art Prize, 2021
*Finalist, Shirley Hannan Portrait Prize, 2021