Australian artist Janine Riches draws on inspiration from the Australian outback, her environment and childhood nostalgia. “I like to distort and abstract the reference into shapes and form and through various painting techniques I create a rustic and weathered appearance. The viewer can look for stories. Some of my work is about the Australian Landscape and others reference childhood and family history, sometimes I try to incorporate both. I believe we are all connected in some way and I draw on inspiration from all cultures with the intent to bridge boundaries create reconciliation and unite us as people. I have a passion for indigenous culture, I love the colors, the shapes of rocks and trees and the way in which there is so much order, repetition and balance to the Australian Outback“

Janine's creative progress can be gauged from the beginnings of her career painting clothing for television on the channel nine “Bugs Bunny Show” in the 1980’s”. Following on in the 1990’s was her discovery of pastels, oils, and acrylics. Riches has recently completed a Bachelor of Fine Art after years of painting, this was a personal goal and demonstrates we can do anything at any age. Janine’s current practice focuses on ambitious large oils where the multilayered style reveals what was once beneath, intriguingly, just enough to create a story. Her works sway between abstract and playful, sometimes celebrating the palest of palettes, sometimes strong and colorful. The idea of art she believes connects us as a community. This artistic notion is translated in her way of creating and storytelling; it is embedded in the paint, the manifestation of which has the practical function of bringing us together.

In March 2019 there were devastating bush fires in country Victoria, Gippsland, sadly - 41 of her paintings were lost in these fires after her local Gallery was burned to the ground. “My positive outlook on life has helped me come back with energy and a stronger enthusiasm to share my art with the world, I impart a message in my paintings to be strong and love life, I believe, we are all in this together.”

Janine Riches - Once upon a time