Based in Bronte, on Sydney’s dramatic coastline, Salleigh Olsen is known for her unique contemporary style, exploring themes of nature, femininity and self-expression with fluid organic lines and textural elements. Working predominantly with wood, her work reinforces the rich beauty of nature and exists in celebration of the organic lifecycle of trees.
Salleigh explains, “The flow of the mediums in the wood grain creates layers and layers of stories recreated through environmental observation, and this allows me to create intuitively with colour and texture to bring each image to life.”
There is an overarching theme of resurgence in this work, honouring the cycle of emergence, growth, decline, and renewal that nature holds true, a sense of quiet endeavour and an ever-present joy in the wonder of the natural world.
Sallleigh uses a range of mediums to achieve the incredible images she creates, from rich, glossy oils to malleable acrylics, and inks that run delicate transparency through the grains of wood. The use of wood itself is integral to her work, emphasising and conveying the connection between humanity and the natural world. Its texture and contrast informs the intention of each image, a canvas that highlights the intrinsic link between the medium and the subject matter.
A graduate of the International School of Colour and Design and National Art School, Salleigh’s work has been the focus of sell-out shows, and is recognised for its originality and ability to encapsulate the viewer.
Exhibitions
Sol Gallery, Melbourne 2024
Kab Gallery, Pymble 2021
The Art Gallery, Paddington 2018
Hall & Wilcox, Sydney 2017
The Makery, Darlinghurst 2017
Art 2 Muse, Double Bay 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016
Salerno Gallery, Glebe 2013
Fox Hole, Sydney 2012, 2013 & 2014
Blank Space Gallery, Sydney 2011
Kaleidoscope Gallery, Sydney 2009 & 2010
Awards & Recognition
Art Pharmacy's 'Best Selling Artist' 2017
Hall & Wilcox 'People's Choice Award' winner 2017
Agendo Art Award finalist 2011
Lord Rees Art Award' 2008