Heather Turner

Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am an artist based in Sydney, a mum of two cuties, a primary school teacher and loving wife. Many hats for one person. I love art and have since I was 8 and only since lockdown found a love for painting. I enjoy painting nature and abstract and it brings me joy to paint, and how it has had an impact on many people in my life.

What is your favourite drink?
I’m a coffee and tea drinker. There’s something about having a warm mug or travel cup in your hands, and having a social moment with one in your hand. What can I say? I’m a bit of a social drinker.

What inspired you to start painting/drawing?
When I was 8 my grandparents gave me my first pencil pack and drawing book, which instantly inspired my love to draw and that was where my artistic love came from. Ever since I would copy things I saw and draw what I would see. Painting wasn’t exactly my forte in art and struggled a bit with it. Since lockdown I wasn’t happy and needed an outlet so I tried picking up the brush again and compared to my teen self, my 34 year old self seemed to appreciate taking risks a lot more.

What advice would you give other artists/creatives starting out?
Be patient. Take risks. Social media can make it exciting and accessible but success in art doesn’t happen overnight. Art should always be firstly about you and your love for it, and engage in the process deeply. You won’t always make things you love either but take the time you need to make things that you love.

Invest in yourself and your ability, and again, patience and take risks. You’ll make yourself proud and enjoy all the pieces you make. Oh - and comparison is the thief of joy, try very hard not to compare. You’ll bring something unique in your works that no one else can give.

You can read more about Heather Turner here.