Arts & Culture
15 March, 2026
Artist of the Week, Monique Turczynski.
I currently live in the Southern Highlands. I was born and raised in Bowral, it was a great place to grow up, and it's a great place to raise a family.
ARTIST OF THE WEEK – MONIQUE TURCZYNSKI
Where do you live and why do you choose to live there? If you could live anywhere else, where would it be?
I currently live in the Southern Highlands. I was born and raised in Bowral, it was a great place to grow up, and it's a great place to raise a family. I've stayed in the area because I love the clean air, space, landscape, people and of course, the food scene! It's hard to say where else I would live. We have friends and family in New Zealand and it's stunning there - so that's definitely something I would consider - but family is very important to me, so I would always stay close.
How long have you been producing art?
I've been making art for as long as I could pick up a paint brush! As a child I was always painting or drawing. I loved painting animals, nature, and sometimes my own hybrid creations. I was always entering colouring-in competitions or painting prizes like 'Kids on Show' in Bowral.
When did you first consider yourself an 'artist’?
I suppose I've always considered myself an artist, because I always gravitated towards creative pursuits. It took me a long time to confidently use that label though. I suppose I thought, that to be a true artist, it had to be my full-time job. I've slowly come to realise, particularly as a busy mum, that you don't have to even be selling your work to be an artist. Just creating and expressing yourself makes you an artist. In saying all that, I have really strived in the last five years to pursue art on a level beyond a hobby. Somehow, despite having two children in that time, I managed to build a website, work on my social media, expand my art collection, design branded packaging, explore product options and be part of multiple exhibitions. I still have a long way to go, but I'm pretty proud of that. I definitely consider myself an artist, now.
How would you describe your work?
My work is, I think, really unique. Although I've dabbled in almost every style over the years, my current body of work focuses on fluid art. It's organic, intricate and layered, and everyone will see something different, but typically my work resembles water or galaxies. What fascinates me is finding the balance between spontaneity and control - the result is highly detailed and textured pieces that almost feel alive, like you’re looking into a moving ecosystem that has been frozen in time… Each painting is its own little world.
What is your favourite medium?
I work primarily with acrylic paint mixed with pouring medium and water to create flow. Once the paint settles, I experiment with a range of techniques and materials to create reactions in the surface - sometimes unconventional ones - I’ve tried everything from nail polish remover to spray paint, and everything in between!
Fluid art requires a deep understanding of viscosity, chemistry and timing. Small changes can produce dramatically different outcomes. After nearly 10 years working in this style, I’ve developed an instinct for how those elements interact, but there’s still an element of surprise every time. That’s part of what keeps it exciting.
What inspires you as an artist?
Artistically, nature- the sense of peace and tranquility I feel when I'm at the beach or under the night sky is like no other. It gives me a sense of perspective and it makes me wonder all of life's mysterious. The feeling of being in the ocean, the ripples of waves and exploring all the little creatures in the world fascinates me. But beyond artistic inspiration, my family inspires me every day. Seeing the curiosity develop in my young boys, seeing how hard my partner works every day makes me want to grow as a person and as an artist to achieve my goals. Having kids makes me want to be the best role model I can be. I want my boys to see me following my dream so it encourages them to one day follow theirs.
Do you work alone or is art for you a social pursuit?
I create as an individual, but I certainly love the connections that art can bring. I've been a member of the Pop-Up Project (founded by Erin Adams from EA Experience) since 2022 and have met the most incredible community of artists because of it. It's so empowering to be in a group of like-minded, encouraging and kind individuals. Coming up this year, I am part of a collective exhibition called Seven Seasons - a group of local female artists, all of which I've met through the Pop-Up Project. Each of us are in a different 'season' of our lives and the exhibition will feature painting, sculpture, embroidery, collage, paint pouring and weaving. It's on at BDAS, Bowral Art Gallery, 1 Short Street, Bowral from May 28 to June 2. There's a 'drinks with the artists' afternoon on Saturday, May 30 from 4pm - 6pm. It’s going to be a really unique exhibition and it’s such a fun group of women. I really encourage everyone to come along and say ‘Hi’ - whether you’re a seasoned art lover or new to the art world - everyone is welcome to come and meet the artists and soak up some beautiful creations.
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?
I think balance is really important. Social media has made it so much easier for an artist's work to be discovered, and we as artists are incredibly lucky to have it. Yes, creating content can sometime feel like a chore, but I think artists these days are remarkably lucky. In saying that, being able to view works in person, in a gallery, is an entirely different and more engaging experience. Seeing and experiencing artworks up close is sometimes crucial for understanding their meaning. Galleries also build connections and relationships in a very different way to social media.
If today Monique had some advice for younger, aspiring artist Monique, what would it be?
Just keep trying. There was a stage when I was learning this art style where for every five paintings I did, there was probably only one that I would have considered a 'keeper'. I think, to most, it would look an easy style of painting, but it's unbelievably difficult, because you're working with a technique where you have really limited control, and it takes a lot of practice to understand how different chemicals and viscosities will interact. It was quite a frustrating process at times, a labour of love, perhaps, and I would often be hard on myself when I wasn't producing the work I envisioned. But with perseverance, and now 10 years of fluid art experience under my belt, I think I'm really starting to find my style and create my own, unique little worlds on canvas.
If you had some advice for people afraid of exhibiting their work or showing their work in public, what would it be?
Just go for it. Everyone starts somewhere and the arts community in the highlands that I know and love is incredibly supportive. Build your confidence, make connections and enjoy the process. Sometimes, I think it's easy for us to all get caught up on where we want to be, what we want to achieve - so enjoy the process, enjoy the growth and take every opportunity you can.
When you are not producing art (and presumably looking after children), how do you spend your time?
Haha yes, family time is definitely a top priority - and they really do grow up too fast, so I try to soak that up as much as I can. I also work in marketing, which is a really fascinating field, and I get to do a lot of content creation so it helps me in my practice, too. But I love singing and writing music, watching movies (especially a good comedy), reading, learning and cooking.
Who is the artist that you most admire?
That's a tough one, there are a lot! But one of the first that comes to mind is Tahlia Stanton. Although her style is very different to mine, she's a young artist that is excelling and she deserves it. I love the vibrancy and positivity she spreads, her style and how diligently she works.
How can people appreciate your work?
I think to truly understand my work, you have to see it in person. You'll see so many colours and extra details that a screen can't translate. You need a moment to soak it up. Ideally, by having it on your wall! (hehe). But sharing posts, engaging online and subscribing to my mailing list is a no-cost but unbelievably helpful way that people can show appreciation for my work and help me grow.
If you weren't an artist, what would you be?
I would definitely be pursuing a career as a singer-songwriter! Since I’m too time poor for more than one creative pursuit at a time, I save it for the car and the shower for now!
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Please contact Stuart Carless if you would like to be our artist of the week. sc@thesouthernwire.com.au
Read More: Bowral, Wollondilly, Southern Highlands, Southern Tablelands