Deep Blue Reflections

Lola Cotton is a 21-year-old mixed media artist originally from Melbourne. Inspired and taught by her grandmother, she discovered her love of painting at the age of fifteen and has been creating ever since, embracing any opportunity to be involved in the arts.

Diagnosed with autism and ADHD, Lola has found her practice to be a source of freedom and self-expression, offering calm and focus. She enjoys making work that cannot be easily put into words - art that is open to interpretation and intended to leave viewers with a feeling or emotion that is uniquely their own.

This painting is a surreal underwater self-portrait. The subject’s flowing hair merges with the currents of the water, surrounded by soft, rising bubbles. Below her, a delicate seashell cradles an open eye, symbolising inner vision and introspection. The rich, deep blues evoke a sense of calm and depth, while the composition suggests a quiet journey into the subconscious. This evocative piece blends realism with symbolism, inviting the viewer to pause, reflect, and explore the mysteries beneath the surface.