Welcome to Driftwood
Driftwood Art Society is based in Sunnybank, QLD. Our active group of artists have collective previously held exhibitions at Logan City Art Gallery and participated in Brisbane’s Portrait Prize competitions.
The Driftwood Story
In 2017, a diverse group of creative seniors united to form the Driftwood Art Group. With backgrounds ranging from ordinary to extraordinary, these semi-retired individuals bonded over their shared interests in painting and sculpting for their own unique pursuits as well as community exhibitions.
Meeting regularly at Sunnybank has allowed them unparalleled access to multicultural exchanges while developing an unbreakable spiritual bond along the way.
Their works have since been featured in various art galleries across Queensland with some members even receiving awards for outstanding accomplishments – making the Driftwood journey one worth celebrating!
Featured Artists
Bringing together creatives from all walks of life – Get to know our featured artists at the Driftwood Art Society.
Dr. Katy Huang
Katy Huang has been a general practitioner for the past 20 years, but it’s on her days off that she discovers true inspiration. Taking long walks through nature, observing the light and capturing those moments in her photography all contribute to her passion for painting.
Since 2017, she’s taken part in various painting workshops and lessons in oil and pastel, finding them to be a great way to relax and meditate. As a result of these classes and dedication to her craft, Katy has become an accomplished artist and a beloved member of Driftwood.
Dr. Peter Fung
Peter Fung’s love for oil painting began in his youth, but it wasn’t until he encountered Jack Wu’s solo exhibition at Brisbane City Hall decades ago that he knew the masterful brush strokes of portraiture were what would become his passion.
It was with great honor and pride that his hard work culminated into being selected as a finalist in the 2019 Inaugural Brisbane Portrait Prize and semi-finalists positions over consecutive years.
Angela Fung
For over thirty years, Angela Fung dedicated herself to perfecting her porcelain painting technique under the guidance of a master teacher. This ancient art form demands an immense amount of skill and patience – multiple firings must be endured before each piece is complete.
Thanks to this dedication, she has been able craft captivating works with gorgeous colors and intricate details! Unsurprisingly, her favorite subjects are animals – who seem so lifelike they might just fluff up off their canvases!
Jessie Wang
Jessie Wang has been captivating audiences with her artwork since childhood. A passionate amateur artist, she is particularly enamored with watercolor painting and seeks inspiration in nature to express scenes of tranquility through her works. From Spring morning to In full bloom and beyond, Jessie’s artistry blossomed when oil paint was added to the mix; later joining other artists for joint exhibitions across Taiwan dedicated to showcasing natural landscapes.
Her most recent endeavour – an invitation-only collaboration entitled ‘Taiwan Imagery Exhibition’ – earned well deserved recognition thanks four masterly pieces featuring buffaloes that have iconic symbolism within Taiwanese culture!
Jenny Gao
Since her move to Brisbane, Australia in 2016, Jenny Gao has become a prominent figure within the multicultural community. At her exquisite embroidery school and art gallery she celebrates both traditional Eastern craftsmanship with innovative modern techniques – creating unique works of art that highlight natural scenery as well as cultural diversity.
Of particular note are pieces where East-meets-West sensibilities come together: by combining profound knowledge garnered from research with an open perspective on foreign experiences, Jenny is able to create powerful visuals about nature and environmental conservation for all who witness them.
Yuming Qin
Yuming Qin is a world-renowned painter whose work has been sought after by celebrities from all corners of the globe. After graduating from the Central Academy of Arts and Crafts, he put his artistic talents to good use as a teacher at the Hubei Academy of Fine Arts and Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts before leaving China for Australia in 1999 where he was granted permanent residence due to his accomplishments in art.
With an eye towards life experience, perception, and self-awareness – seeking out the light within darkness ultimately reflecting on the breaking down boundaries between time and space — Qin’s artwork expresses both known realities while uncovering those still unknown with traces left behind through friction alone.
Scott Maxwell
Scott is Driftwood’s art director and subject matter consultant. He is a multi-disciplinary artist and has attained awards in art, design, photography, sculpture, community art, and site-specific placemaking. In his art adventures, he explores narratives of the natural environment, identity, and place through traditional and technological methodology. The scale, theme, medium, technique, locations, and purpose is as diverse as his style as a visual communicator.
Scott also enjoys surfing, surf lifesaving, free diving, and landscaping. He was born on Magnetic Island, is a place that is his spiritual homeland.
Helen Lee
Helen Lee is the secretary at Driftwood Art Society, where her role entails coordinating exhibitions and events, promoting and managing PR activities as well as connecting with galleries, institutions, and artist networks. With a background in both personal assistance to an internationally renowned entrepreneur and Faculty Dean of a tertiary institute in Victoria under her belt, she has acquired knowledge that allows for successful managerial undertakings today.
In addition to being driven by the success of Driftwood, Helen loves spending time outside exploring nature while listening to classical music or learning various languages.
Upcoming Events
An Invitation to Creativity – Participate in Upcoming Events with the Driftwood Art Society.
Art for a Cause
April 4, 2024, SUNNYBANK PRIVATE HOSPITAL
Join us at Sunnybank Private Hospital on April 4, 2024, for an art exhibition celebrating ahead of World Health Day by the Driftwood Art Society. Experience a variety of delightful art, plus free Bike ‘n Blend smoothies!
Current Events
Garden City Library
UNTIL OCTOBER 31, 2023.
Located at Westfield Mt Gravatt.
Get Involved
All are welcome! Connect and Create with us – Come to our meetups, join the Driftwood Art Society, make a donation, and subscribe to our future events and newsletters!
Driftwood Art Society is proudly sponsored by True Partner Property.
Address
38 Mains Road,
Sunnybank QLD 4109
Get Directions