A portrait can reveal so much more than a likeness, telling stories of love, family and place.
As proud supporters of The Lester Prize, we’re delighted to celebrate the exceptional talent showcased in this year’s Main Prize Exhibition at WA Museum Boola Bardip.
Our warmest congratulations to Kim Harding, recipient of The Montauk Lighting Co. Highly Commended Prize for her captivating self-portrait, Kim with Black Cockatoo, and to all 40 finalists.
We spoke with Kim about the story behind her portrait, finding inspiration in the everyday, and the joy of living with original art.
Your self-portrait is such a beautiful, personal work. Can you tell us a little about the inspiration behind it?
The painting represents my commitment to, and love of family and home.
This painting was one of four works created for a group exhibition at the Mudgee Arts Precinct, exploring the theme “The Symbiosis of Women and Birds”.
The painting explores the quiet markers of Australian rural life through native birds and flora. Often unnoticed, these grounding touchstones come to our rescue in moments of uncertainty, guiding us back to centre, taking us home.
This painting reflects connections shared by Australian women across generations, family and culture. I stand still, hands in pockets fully at ease. A black cockatoo rests comfortably on my head, the sun is warm on my face, symbolising peace and stability. I wear my husband’s oversized work shirt, a gesture to a love that is steady, unshowy and enduring, a constant I return to.
Where do you go, or what do you do, when you’re seeking creative inspiration?
I find inspiration everywhere, all of the time… often in inconvenient moments throughout my day.
I am knowingly conscious of my surroundings and as such, actively searching for those moments that pull an emotion from me.
If I can, I will hang onto the moment with a quick photograph on my phone, if possible a sketch or a written note about what I saw and how it made me feel….
There’s something wonderful about living with original art. What do you hope your paintings bring to the spaces they inhabit and the people who live with them?
I feel extremely excited when someone decides they love what I have created enough to put it in their personal space for ever!
The best I can hope for is that they have simply fallen in love with what they have seen, perhaps it reminded them of something special in their life or brought out a response that reminded them of a beautiful or familiar moment they want to hold onto.
I hope the work brings joy, warmth and something special out of each viewer, even if it is just curiosity.
The Lester Prize Main Prize Exhibition continues at WA Museum Boola Bardip until 29 November, 2026. We encourage you to experience this wonderful celebration of Australian art. To discover more from Kim Harding, follow @kim_harding_art on Instagram or visit kimhardingart.com.au.
The feature artwork is Kim with Black Cockatoo by Kim Harding. Oil on canvas, 122 × 61 cm. Image courtesy of the artist.