At Nest and Bird, we celebrate the beauty of Australian art and the creativity of its makers. Each season, we’ll shine a spotlight on an artist, sharing their creative journey and offering you a glimpse into their process, inspirations, and stories. It’s an opportunity to discover incredible work and connect with the people behind the pieces.
We’re thrilled to introduce our first featured artist, Julia Abbey, based in the Southern Highlands, New South Wales. Julia’s art is a vibrant celebration of Australia’s natural beauty, blending native birds and flowers with nostalgic, everyday scenes. Drawing from a life rich in experience and exploration, her work is known for its bold use of color and heartfelt storytelling. Now, as she transitions from a teaching career, Julia is fully embracing her passion for painting.
We’re proud to showcase Julia’s stunning work and invite you to experience the warmth and joy her art brings. Each piece is a story waiting to be shared—a beautiful reflection of life’s simple pleasures, ready to find a place in your home.
What sparked your passion for art, and how did your creative journey begin?
Art has always been a passion of mine. Over the years I have run classes on felting, mosaic and painting amongst other things. After leaving school, I was very keen to go to art school but I was persuaded into a more 'secure ' job and I became a primary school teacher. During my teaching years I absolutely loved the way that children expressed themselves and their world in such a bold, uninhibited way. During covid I finally picked up a paintbrush again, bought a couple of canvases and the rest is history!
What’s your favourite way to unwind or get inspired?
When I'm not painting I absolutely love spending time in nature, walking and swimming in the ocean. Nature inspires me incredibly. Having grown up in England, the birds, flora and landscape in Australia are something I will never take for granted. As I paint mainly table scenes, I am always on the hunt for quirky and beautiful items to include in my work. Sometimes this might mean wandering around antique shops or following sites on Instagram of creators of ceramics etc. Sometimes the smallest object sparks an idea for a painting and the ideas grow!
Do you sell all your paintings, or do you keep some favourites for yourself?
I definitely keep some for myself, my new house has five of my favourites, mainly birds which I have displayed in my air b and b amongst the real birds! My daughter's house is like a gallery too! She often 'looks after' paintings for me until they sell! Last year my Mother was very unwell. While she was in hospital, it gave me great comfort to paint a special piece for her which now hangs in her bedroom.
Lastly, what’s next on your creative journey? Any new adventures or ideas you’re itching to explore?
I've been exploring painting on other surfaces such as very old weatherboards removed from a house just down the road from me. I love that they have age and history and that I can rescue and revive them! Who knows what I might paint on next! I'm also super excited about my upcoming artist residency in a chateau in France, I'm going to explore some aerial views and buildings. Watch this space!