When Jacky Murtaugh left her homeland half a world away she did not expect her painting to point out the way home.
Her long held passion for art was released with vigour, resulting in The Austral Hotel Emerging Artist Award, over 20 exhibitions and a multitude of shows. What she thought she was leaving behind has travelled with her and can now be seen in her works of over 100 pieces.
Her vibrant and vivid art works of the Aussie landscape also reflect her emotional journey since moving here from England. Jacky’s work conveys a sense of place and belonging. “It’s hard to know where you belong or where to call home when your roots are elsewhere”.
She admits that the transition from England to Australia has been a tough one; a mixture of pleasure and pain. Leaving behind everything you have ever known, people and places that have played a part in shaping who you are. Distancing yourself from people you hold dear and the places that hold poignant memories. All these things affect the way you see, think and feel. Starting again holds its own adventures and excitement and provides new attachments.
“The expressing of this intensely personal combination has lead to a condition, not a place, I now call home.”
Murtaugh’s work is now sought after far and wide with sales internationally as well as across Australia. Her recent visit to the UK has resulted in new work on a collection of paintings that compare English Countryside and Aussie Outback.
Jacky was a finalist in The Austral Hotel – Emerging Artist Award in 2012 and the winner in 2013. Part of the winnings was to exhibit at The Austral Hotel.
The aptly named show “A Land Down Under” opens at 3pm on 3rd of August 2014. All are welcome.
More information can be found at www.jackymurtaugh.com or here.

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