My artistic practice explores historical painting and mythology through the lens of a contemporary artist. Drawing inspiration from my environment, I seek to blur the boundaries between documentary representation and mythic imagination.

"Lachlan and the Nymphs" represents a modern-day, interpretation of the legend of Hylas and the Nymphs, in which the tragic youth Hylas is abducted by female water nymphs. A stroll along the Torrens provided the initial basis for the painting, but the composition was poor. By moving things around and adding the Nymphs, I was able to correct this - leading the eye from the bottom focal point to the top. In turn, the Nymphs added a surreal element to the unfolding drama on the water.

By grounding mythological subjects in observed reality, I hope to challenge viewers to see these ancient narratives as living, breathing experiences that continue to shape our understanding of human nature.

Oil on canvas 91.4 × 91.4 cm