Lucy Juhnke is an emerging artist based in Port Macquarie. She is mainly known for her boldly coloured, intimate still-lifes. Through various media, including acrylic, oil pastel, and found objects, Lucy captures moments subjectively and explores the relationship between self and surroundings.
Lucy has exhibited locally since 2021, including in the group show “In Skin” curated by Anne de Nooijer and the collaborative show “Dream” with Kiata Mason in 2025.
She has exhibited beyond the Mid North Coast for group shows such as “Life in Colour” at Tyger Gallery in Yass in 2024 where she also hosted her first workshop.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background? (Your name, where you’re based, how long you’ve been creating, and what drew you to the arts.)
A: I am an emerging artist based in Port Macquarie. I began working in abstraction in 2021, which sparked a huge increase in my creative output. Since then I have attended various classes, and workshops but am mainly self-taught. I’m now mainly known for my colourful and intimate still-life paintings, and the occasional portrait. I am primarily interested in exploring the connection between myself and my surroundings.
I like to capture the emotion or sensation of what I’m painting, rather that aiming for direct realism. Art is a form of therapy or meditation for me and it is what I turn to in moments of internal turbulence, as well as joy and clarity.
I have exhibited locally since 2021, some shows include “In Skin” curated by Anne de Nooijer and the collaborative show “Dream” with Kiata Mason in 2025. Beyond the Mid North Coast, I have participated in group shows like “Life in Colour” at Tyger Gallery in Yass in 2024, where I also hosted my first workshop.
Q: What inspired you to start working in your chosen medium?
A: I was always a creative person, I started taking music lessons at around the age of 4, and I still love to create and listen to music. I took art classes throughout school and painting was something I had always been interested in. I held back from it for a long time because thought I “wasn’t good at drawing”. In 2021 I had a week off work because I was unwell. I happened to have some paints around. I decided I wasn’t going to try to paint anything in particular and started just exploring colour and texture. From there I was hooked.
Q: Can you tell us about the work/s you’re exhibiting and the story or concept behind it? (How many pieces you’re showing and if it’s part of a series or broader project.)
A: For my debut solo exhibition “Facts and Figurines” I am mainly painting objects from around my house. They’re items that I have an emotional connection to, and many are a bit strange or novel. A cup with a face or a handbag shaped like a pug driving a van. I’m exploring the line between reality and imagination, and you may question what it is that you’re seeing.
Q: How did it feel to be selected for this exhibition/event?
A: I’m so excited to be given the opportunity to share this collection. I am grateful to Arts Mid North Coast for providing a space where we have the opportunity to increase the local community’s engagement in the arts.
Q: What materials do you typically work with, and what draws you to them?
A: I always loved to collage and scrapbook as a child and that has carried through to my current art practice. I mainly work with acrylic but I often include oil pastel and found objects. I prefer to work on wood panel as it is much sturdier than canvas and can better withstand techniques like scraping and stapling. Found objects intrigue me, and I like to subvert ideas of value, as well as exploring the concept of “damage and repair”. I also love texture and bringing the sense of touch into the experience of visual art.
Q: What does participating in this exhibition/event mean to you personally and professionally?
A: This is my first official solo exhibition and it has been a great pleasure as well as a challenge. As somebody who thought I couldn’t draw only a few years ago it is a huge step in my shifting identity. It feels like a huge professional milestone. I’ve gained a greater understanding of myself and my practise. I have developed skills that I can carry forward to future exhibitions and creative endeavours.
Q: How do you hope audiences will respond to your work at the exhibition/event?
A: There are tiny hints of darker themes but mostly I hope people will be amused – maybe a bit confused. I hope people will leave with a renewed sense of possibility and openness to life.
Q: What’s next for you in your creative journey? (Upcoming projects, exhibitions, collaborations, etc.)
A: I currently work as Gallery Curator at the shared Four Espresso and Thistle Flowers space on Murray Street, Port Macquarie. Leana Brown, Andrew Lister, and Melanie Webb will be displaying a beautiful array of photographic artworks for “From the Stars to the Sea”. This will be in display from the 28th of September through to early November, 2025.
Q: And where can people find you? (website link, social media handles, other)
Image credit: ‘Tiny Dancer’ by Lucy Juhnke
