What do a box of Redheads matches, Playschool, Vegemite, Tiny Teddies, and a Blockbuster video card all have in common? Nostalgic icons from the 1990’s and childhood memories resurrected on canvas by artist Ally (RAAD).
Ally paints hyper-realistic works using a variety of mediums such as acrylic, oils, gouache, watercolours and air brushing, a technique she says also translates into her mural paintings.
An unexpected redundancy just before Christmas led Ally on more of a commercial path early this year, painting large scale murals all over Brisbane for an advertising company and undertaking some commission-based graphic design work, whilst searching for a new full-time gig.
In 2023, a chance encounter of walking past the Recovered Futures Art Exhibition and the connection she experienced to the mental health stories portrayed, encouraged Ally to apply and successfully have two artworks showcased in 2024- Redheads and Playschool.
“I connected with the meaning behind what the exhibition aims to promote, which is so important these days and so prevalent, especially today with everything that’s going on. I don’t usually do exhibitions, but I think this one just really appealed to me because of the meaning behind it.”
Ally is drawn to objects that hold a unique memory, meaning and shared stories which often stem from nostalgia, which she feels connects people in a unique and beautiful way.
“As soon as you see it, there's no thinking behind it. You're like, ‘oh, that's the box of matches I used to use when I was a kid’ or whatever. I just like that instant recognition you get from a piece like that. I do really enjoy focusing on the details which make something unique.”
Growing up in a family who experience lived mental ill-health challenges and experiencing challenges of her own, Ally has found working with a therapist through repressed concerns from her childhood confronting, yet rewarding.
“As an adult you start to become more self-aware of why you are the way you are and therapy has really helped me realise that and now, I’m in my thirties, it’s kind of time to tackle it head on, which at the same time is terrifying, but necessary.”
“Art has always been my safety net because it’s the one area in my life I have full control over, and not necessarily control as in it has to be rigid, more like it’s something I can start and finish the way I want it to, which I think is really important to me.”
Art has always come first before graphic design and other creative endeavours and Ally fondly reminisces on the day she received her first colouring book at three years of age and has been hooked ever since.
“Whenever I do pieces of art, I always try to bring my own little flair to it and take inspiration from my childhood – TV shows I grew up watching or food I used to eat in primary school – just things that come very effortlessly and naturally it doesn’t even feel like I’m painting, it feels like I’m in a time machine.”
Looking forward to the year ahead, Ally is committed to self-care for her wellbeing through swimming, spending time outdoors, hiking, the gym and hanging out with her fur babies. She is also trying to carve out more time for her painting amongst life’s busy schedule.
You can find out more about Ally by visiting raaddesigns.com.au and view her works from the 2024 Recovered Futures Art Exhibition here.