Local Gerroa artist, Michele Skuza, unveils her world of brightly coloured oil paintings that vividly portray life on the South Coast of NSW, both above and below the waterline. From November 23 to 29, the Old Fire Station Art Gallery in Kiama will be adorned with her creations.

With over two decades of artistic exploration under the guidance of renowned North Queensland artist Ruth Heiner, Michele's work exudes a unique style. Her paintings showcase the lively inhabitants of rocky reefs, featuring fascinating creatures like the blue-ringed octopus and weedy sea dragons, sharing space with the beautiful birds found in coastal gardens.

In 2019, after more than 30 years as a marine scientist on the Great Barrier Reef, Michele relocated to Gerroa to pursue her passion for painting. Inspired by the breathtaking scenes and creatures along Australia's coastline, her bright and hyper-realistic style is a joyful celebration of the vibrant colours in the natural world.

Michele's artistic journey took an unexpected turn when a friend's request to paint local shorebirds on driftwood led to innovative experimentation. Salvaged board lining from demolition yards became her canvas, proving immensely popular with the locals.

"Birds Behaving Badly," Michele's latest exhibition promises a delightful narrative. From magpies scavenging New Year's debris in "New Years Day" to Cockatoos indulging in unattended pavlova in "Polly wants a Pav," and rainbow lorikeets relishing scones and jam in "Devonshire Tea," each piece tells a story.

Michele says, “One of my favourite things about having an exhibition is the people I get to meet and have a chat with, for example, the three-year-olds who can tell me the name of every bird and sea creature I have painted, the octogenarians who tell me stories about their backyard wildlife encounters, as well as the wag who demanded a discount as he was buying a painting with only the head of the cockatoo not the whole bird!”

For Michele, art should bring joy to both the creator and the collector. Her philosophy is clear: if it doesn't evoke positive emotions or transport you to a happy place, it doesn't deserve a spot on your wall. Visitors are invited to experience the joy and vibrancy of "Sea to Sky," open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, November 23-29 at the Kiama Old Fire Station.