About
A life worth painting
I’m Sharlie, artist and insufferable introvert. I have a very shitty tattoo (some would call it a tramp stamp) that says ‘A life worth painting’ messily scrawled across my back. I got it at “schoolies” when I was 17 years old. While both the tattoo and myself have since aged considerably, the concept has remained deep within my heart.
I wanted A LIFE WORTH PAINTING—meaning yes, I wanted to paint and fill my life with art, but I also wanted to live a life that was worthy in some way. Throughout my twenties I tried to fulfil this vision with volunteering and working in various not-for-profits. I spent years (okay, over a decade) making marketing material “look pretty” for social purpose organisations. Meanwhile, I left my true love, art, by the wayside, always seeing it as a little hobby that I would do if I ever got some spare time, but not something I could ever pursue professionally.
I started painting pots in a desperate attempt to stretch out my maternity leave with my little lady, Lulu. I had waited many painful years to have her and I just couldn’t bear the thought of going back to an office away from her. Along the way I rediscovered how insanely good painting feels—especially painting something that brings joy to people’s lives. I always wanted to use my skills to *do good* but it never occurred to me that that could mean changing how someone feels in their home, rather than trying to change the world.
I want my art to light up the room and make you feel strong every time you walk past it. I spend days (often weeks! Sometimes years, embarrassingly) building and rebuilding each piece to make sure it reflects the vision of honouring women and telling the quiet magnificence of our stories.
I LOVE painting for you, I live and breathe this hustle 24/7. I work out of my home studio in Meanjin. If you would like to get to know more about what I do please follow my journey on insta, or email me here.