What’s your favourite beach?
Palm Beach. Growing up in the UK, Home and Away was a staple of our household viewing. As a child I would imagine what it would be like growing up in such a beautiful location, so to find myself all these years later living and working at Palm Beach as an extra on Home and Away and a tour guide is surreal.
What’s the best thing about the Northern Beaches?
The gorgeous coastline, beach hopping from one place to another and never being disappointed. It’s idyllic. I also love the local walks, particularly the Spit to Manly. Living on the Northern Beaches feels worlds away from the busy city life of London where I grew up.
What inspired your cover art?
Australian wildlife and the iconic Barrenjoey Lighthouse. I wanted to create a Tawny cover that meant something to me as well as be something that people could recognise. The Barrenjoey Lighthouse is obviously very well known, and being a pet portrait artist, I adore drawing animals. Australia has some of the world’s most amazing wildlife and I just had to draw some for the cover.
How do you describe your art?
Very traditional – I’m old school like that. All my work is hand drawn using soft pastels. I like a sense of realism.
Which artists or inspiring people, dead or alive, would you most like to have dinner with?
Steve Irwin, Tim Burton, Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dali, Beatrix Potter and Josh Neille. Steve Irwin is such an eccentric and lovable character and his love for animals is inspiring. Josh Neille is a wildlife carer from Victoriaqne his love and care for injured and sick Australian wildlife is so selfless. Tim Burton has always been one of my favourite directors. I love his gothic style and the way he tells stories. He’s also an incredible artist. Beatrix Potter probably influenced me the most when growing up. Salvador Dali’s surrealist art style is very different to mine, but I love how it draws a viewer in, you really feel as though you’ve entered his crazy world. And Frida Kahlo. Again, her art style is very different to mine, but after watching documentaries about her life and the obstacles she overcame whilst still creating amazing art is something that inspires me.
How did you discover you had a gift for art?
As an only child, I amused myself with art and Lego. School teachers said I had talent and winning a local art competition at the local library as a small child was very cool for a kid. Mum still has that piece hanging up at home in the UK.
What’s your favourite thing about what you do?
A happy customer’s reaction when they open their pet portrait. It’s heartwarming to see, and to know that I captured their pet and their personality. It’s particularly special when the portrait is done to remember a pet when they have passed away, to know my artwork can immortalise their pet and be a way to remember them.
Any advice for young or aspiring artists?
Keep doing what you love. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it or that it’s not a proper profession. Being an artist is hard and there will be times of success, as well as times of rejection, but don’t be disheartened. Stay true to your style and don’t change for anyone. Your style is what makes you an artist that people will recognise.
Follow Laura on socials @laurahepworth_art and pop into Summer Bay, where you can buy Laura’s prints at The North Palm Beach SLSC kiosk. She also designed the Summer Bay Kiosk chalkboard.
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Are you an artist local to the Northern Beaches and want to be featured in the Tawny Frogmouth? Email mail@thetawnyfrogmouth.com.au