Tom Carroll Portrait
Back in 2016, I had the incredible opportunity to meet former world champion big-wave surfer Tom Carroll at his home in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The visit wasn’t just to talk surfing – I was there to photograph and sketch Tom in his home environment, alongside his much-loved cat, Chino, as preparation for a portrait painting.
The final artwork captured a quiet, introspective moment between man and animal – a side of Tom not often seen in the public eye. While he’s well known for his fearless approach to surfing, what struck me most was his warmth, humility, and humour. He had the energy of someone who’d lived deeply, but had arrived at a place of peace and self-acceptance. I wanted to translate that into the painting – to reflect not only his achievements but his essence.
My portrait style uses layers of acrylic paint to build depth and texture. The early layers are loose and expressive, creating an emotional base. With each additional layer, I refine the details, gradually guiding the viewer’s attention. In this piece, the more realistic elements were deliberately placed to anchor the composition, allowing the freer, painterly parts to breathe. It’s a balance I love exploring – between structure and spontaneity, realism and emotion.
This portrait of Tom and Chino remains one of my favourites – not just for the final result, but for the experience of meeting someone so iconic and finding, in that moment, something truly human to share.
Custom Window Graphics for Coca-Cola
I had the privilege of again working with Coca-Cola, this time on a unique digital window artwork for Polly Coffee Bar, an iconic venue in the heart of Perth’s main cultural precinct. This was an exciting challenge—creating a design that reflected the cafe owner’s vision while subtly incorporating Coca-Cola branding.
Since the final piece was to be printed onto vinyl and applied to the cafe’s windows, I proposed a photographic-based montage. Inspired by the Colombian coffee region, the artwork was shaped by the owner's desire to emphasise coffee, jungles, and the hardworking growers of Latin America.
To make this vision a reality, I teamed up with professional photographer Matt Fieldes and traveled to Colombia’s Zona Cafetera. There, I personally directed the photography process, capturing the lush landscapes and vibrant coffee culture firsthand.
Using these stunning images, I created a rich jungle and coffee montage—bold, immersive, and alive with color. The Coca-Cola branding was woven in subtly, enhancing rather than overpowering the beauty of the scene. The final window is visually striking tribute to coffee culture that perfectly complements Polly Coffee Bar’s atmosphere.
This project was an incredible journey from concept to completion, and I’m thrilled to see it become part of Perth’s creative landscape.
Cult Movie Themed Murals for Winebox Hotel
Another standout project was at Winebox, Chile’s first hotel and winery made entirely from shipping containers. I was invited to create three custom murals in different rooms, blending a wine theme with cult movie references.
Working with my partner Mitch Low, we designed three bespoke murals inspired by Pulp Fiction, Barbarella, and Foxy Brown, each incorporating cheeky wine references. The murals are a blend of black and white realism, with two bright accent colors, carefully matched to each room’s dominant color scheme. Bright retro pop patterns tied everything together, reinforcing the vintage aesthetic while making the murals a seamless part of the interior design.
This visually striking collection of murals enhance the guest experience and serve as a fantastic social media magnet. Visitors frequently share photos of the artwork, turning them into an ongoing promotional tool for the hotel.
Amazing New Mural for Santa Fe Restaurant!
“Paint the best wall mural you’ve ever painted…” This was my brief from Andrew and Sue at Santa Fe Restaurant in Subiaco, Perth. After 8 days of painting and pushing myself to the max, I managed to produce the best mural I had painted to date.