One Last Kiss

This painting is inspired by my great aunt (who was like my Grandmother) . She had a photo of a young soldier in uniform on her mantle piece. It always took pride position. I found out that he was her sweet heart and he went to war never to return. She remained unmarried and never had any children of her own. I wanted to capture the moment of their embrace as they were saying good-bye to each other.
I have made the picture look like it is fading into the Australian bush just as their hopes and dreams of what could have been also faded.

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A visual story teller at heart, Elise creates art about women and place. Drawing inspiration from history and her surroundings the work explores nostalgia, identity and our connection to the land. Her portraits often give a voice to women whose stories were never told, revealing inner strength, beauty and quiet resilience.

A graduate from The University of Melbourne and a finalist in several art prizes, Elise blends traditional techniques with a contemporary sensibility. As she explains,
“I often like to incorporate sewing, stitching, lace and lettering in my work. Women have always helped shape the world - not always through grand gestures, but often through quiet and unseen work.”

Dividing her time between her city studio and country workspace built from repurposed materials on the site of an old cowshed, Elise’s practice is grounded in reflection, renewal and the stories that connect us all.