Arts & Culture
20 June, 2026
Artist of the Week - Gillian Baldock
Stuart Carless brings us the artist of the week.
Where do you live and why do you choose to live there? If you could live anywhere else, where would it be?
I am an artist living in the Southern Highlands of NSW, where I am conveniently close to my children and grandchildren. My dream location would be in a rural setting, surrounded by nature, wildlife (and my children and grandchildren.) I tend to work alone so being able to immerse myself in the environment would be ideal.
How long have you been producing art?
I have been creating art and various crafts for as long as I can remember, coming as I was from a family of makers and ‘fixers’
When did you first consider yourself an 'artist'?
Calling myself an artist still seems to be a bit of a novelty … I draw, I paint, I make … being called an ‘artist’ has always felt like something to aspire to … an honour bestowed upon you by others. I am now learning to embrace the term. I would advise my younger self to have more confidence in my abilities as an artist.
How would you describe your work?
My work is usually detailed and realistic, inspired by animals and nature, but I often paint pet portraits for animal lovers.
What is your favourite medium?
My favourite medium is ever changing as I attempt to fit the medium to the subject matter and ‘message’ (if there is one). I use oil paints, acrylics, pastels, scratchboard and various traditional printmaking techniques.
When you are not producing art, how do you spend your time?
When I am not producing art, I am often doing research. Holidays and excursions tend to be arranged around which animals I can see and where. My husband seems happy with this arrangement.
Social media has changed the way people with interact with art and with artists. Galleries may no longer have the same relevance. Do you think that's a good thing?
Galleries and social media are both ways by which people can interact with art and both have their place. Often galleries can be elitist and charge huge commissions if artists wish to sell through them.
I prefer smaller exhibitions where the artist is present as people like to interact with artists personally, hearing about stories and methods. I feel social media is less personal, with more pressure attached to collecting followers and ‘likes’ which can influence what art is produced.
Wherever an artist chooses to exhibit their work feedback is an important part of developing as an artist. Listening to people whose opinion you respect is invaluable.
Who is the artist that you most admire?
I admire the early Australian Impressionists and especially the woman artists of the Heidelberg era.
How can people appreciate your work?
People can see more of my work on my website: www.drawnbygill.com.au
Instagram: drawnbygil
Facebook:drawnbygill
I will also be participating in the ‘Carnival/Carnivale’ exhibition with members of the Artists of the Round Yard at The White Cottage Gallery (a National Trust Property) in Bowral (September 28- November 22, 2026) and the ‘All Things Great Are Small’ exhibition at the Bowral District Art Society (December 12-22, 2026).
If you weren't an artist, what would you be?
If I wasn’t an artist I always thought I would like to be an archaeologist or an architect.
When did you first consider yourself an 'artist'?
Calling myself an artist still seems to be a bit of a novelty … I draw, I paint, I make … being called an ‘artist’ has always felt like something to aspire to … an honour bestowed upon you by others. I am now learning to embrace the term. I would advise my younger self to have more confidence in my abilities as an artist.
How would you describe your work?
My work is usually detailed and realistic, inspired by animals and nature, but I often paint pet portraits for animal lovers.
What is your favourite medium?
My favourite medium is ever changing as I attempt to fit the medium to the subject matter and ‘message’ (if there is one). I use oil paints, acrylics, pastels, scratchboard and various traditional printmaking techniques.
When you are not producing art, how do you spend your time?
When I am not producing art, I am often doing research. Holidays and excursions tend to be arranged around which animals I can see and where. My husband seems happy with this arrangement.
Social media has changed the way people with interact with art and with artists. Galleries may no longer have the same relevance. Do you think that's a good thing?
Galleries and social media are both ways by which people can interact with art and both have their place. Often galleries can be elitist and charge huge commissions if artists wish to sell through them.
I prefer smaller exhibitions where the artist is present as people like to interact with artists personally, hearing about stories and methods. I feel social media is less personal, with more pressure attached to collecting followers and ‘likes’ which can influence what art is produced.
Wherever an artist chooses to exhibit their work feedback is an important part of developing as an artist. Listening to people whose opinion you respect is invaluable.
Who is the artist that you most admire?
I admire the early Australian Impressionists and especially the woman artists of the Heidelberg era.
How can people appreciate your work?
People can see more of my work on my website: www.drawnbygill.com.au
Instagram: drawnbygil
Facebook:drawnbygill
I will also be participating in the ‘Carnival/Carnivale’ exhibition with members of the Artists of the Round Yard at The White Cottage Gallery (a National Trust Property) in Bowral (September 28- November 22, 2026) and the ‘All Things Great Are Small’ exhibition at the Bowral District Art Society (December 12-22, 2026).
If you weren't an artist, what would you be?
If I wasn’t an artist I always thought I would like to be an archaeologist or an architect.
--------------
Subscribe to The Southern Wire Newsletter for free at the link below.
https://subscribe-forms.beehiiv.com/1986abc6-c89e-4781-9db2-cf35c9dd71e4
If you value independent local journalism across the Highlands, Tablelands and Wollondilly, please click the link below to support us to ensure we remain paywall free.
Read More: Southern Highlands