Fibre,   Acrylics, Pastel, Watercolour and mixed media

Denise Smith & Kate Taylor 

23rd May to 7th July  2026

This Collection captures the vivid beauty and character of Australian native birds and other winged creatures, each piece a tribute to their distinct presence in the landscapes. Through a combination of acrylics, pastels, watercolour and fibre, the works explore texture, movement and colour to reflect the diversity and spirit of these iconic creatures.

Denise & Kate will be at the gallery on the following days, creating their artworks and chatting to visitors

•        23rd May Saturday – 12 – 2pm
•        31st May Sunday – 12 – 2pm
•        4th June Thursday – 11am – 1pm
•        14th June Sunday 12 – 2pm
•        18th June Thursday 11am – 1pm
•        27th June Saturday 12 – 2pm
•        2nd July Thursday 11am – 1pm

About Kate

Kate’s journey as an artist has been shaped by life itself. A naturally creative soul, she first channeled her talents into a wool shop she owned in Healesville during the vibrant 1980s, a time when bold, colourful jumpers were all the rage. It was there that her passion for design blossomed, and many of her original creations found happy homes.

Over the years, Kate explored various creative avenues before discovering her true artistic niche in the world of fibre art—especially needle felting and felting in all its forms. Her work, often inspired by photographs used with the kind permission of talented photographers, celebrates the beauty of Australian birds and wildlife. Each piece is crafted entirely freehand, with remarkable attention to detail, translated by eye onto a felted canvas.

Kate has also embraced 3D fibre sculpture as an extension of her artistry. Using only wool fibre and a barbed needle, she creates soft, lifelike sculptures—a meditative practice that connects her deeply with the materials and subjects she portrays.

Nestled on the outskirts of Healesville, Kate’s studio is a cozy corner of her home, where daily visits from native parrots and the occasional circling eagle provide inspiration and delight.

In addition to her one-of-a-kind fibre sculptures and felt paintings, Kate enjoys working with watercolour and pastel. She is also a passionate teacher, sharing the art of needle felting with students of all ages. Whether it’s a pet portrait, a custom commission, or a group workshop, Kate brings warmth, skill, and joy to everything she creates.

 

 

 

ABOUT DENISE

Inspired by the beauty of nature and driven by a deep concern for wildlife conservation, Denise creates art that speaks to the heart and the environment.  Her work spans acrylics, inks, pastels, watercolours, and mixed media – each piece a celebration of the animals and habitats she seeks to honour and protect. Having volunteered as a visitor guide at Healesville Sanctuary for 10 years also held her in awe of the beauty of our native birds. Being able to see them at close range has certainly enhanced her inspirational creations.

Working from her light-filled, purpose-built studio in the Yarra Valley Denise is surrounded by native birds and bushland that provides daily inspiration.  Her creative journey has been shaped by decades of practice, experimentation, and a humble belief that “one never stops learning”.

 

 

 

 

More of Denise’s work

TEDDY BEAR BEE

The Teddy Bear Bee is a solitary Australian native bee.   They are about 7 – 15mm long and belong to the family Apidae.  Found Australia wide except in Tasmania. The female builds an individual nest in a small burrow in the soil. However, quite a few Teddy Bear Bees may build nests close together in a sheltered location such as in an eroded creek bank or underneath a house!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE BLUE DAMSELFLY  – is a small slender Australian native insect (approx.. 32 – 36mm) often found near water. Males are characterized by vivid sky-blue and black banding with a mushroom-shaped mark on their second abdominal segment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SWIFT PARROT

Beautifully coloured Australian native bird.  Critically endangered from mainly loss of habitat.  Migrates from Tasmania to Great Dividing Range in Victoria/NSW.  Likelihood of extinction within the next 20yrs.l  Zoo’s Victoria is considering a captive breeding program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

More of Kate’s work