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For Wiradjuri woman and UOW student Isabella Horne, art is more than a form of expression – it’s a powerful way to explore her connection to culture and illuminate life’s many interwoven paths.
Isabella – who studied a Bachelor of Science majoring in Ecology and Conservation Biology at UOW – grew up on Dharawal country in Dapto, her father a Wiradjuri man from Katoomba. She discovered her passion for art through First Nations culture programs at her primary school, deepening her connection to culture and Country.
“We did art one day, and I loved it. I found it relaxing and fun, a nice visual way of telling stories. It just grew from there,” Isabella recalls.
“As I got older, I began to delve deeper into storytelling and the meaning of certain animals and other elements. I’ve always been drawn to the ocean, and a lot of my art features marine animals. It has also been influenced by my science studies, such as my piece on the life stages of the sea urchin.”
Her artistic style has also evolved, from using a large stick to create dots to experimenting with smaller tools such as pinheads to create finer detail.
“At the same time, I began to look more deeply into my family ties. I have found connections to the Dharug Nation as well, and I’m still investigating these connections through my life and work.”
Among Isabella’s latest creations is Flow, a painting specially commissioned by UOW College as the centrepiece for the design of the UOW Global Enterprises and UOW College Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy.
Isabella, who previously worked in UOW College Student Services while studying, jumped at the chance to create an artwork reflecting the College’s nurturing environment and student experience.
“One of the key aspects was representing growth, being guided and supported, and being connected – not just to each other, but to the other UOW campuses in different countries. My mind immediately went to water as the thing that connects and unifies us,” Isabella says.
The central element of the painting is a flowing river, telling the story of the student journey and the many paths it can take.
“Like a river, there are twists and turns throughout life. Rivers expand, they change and grow, just like people,” Isabella says.
“The painting represents how students are nurtured and supported by UOW College, represented by the circle in the top left corner, and take many different and evolving paths. The other smaller circles represent different points in life and the other people, colleges and universities we connect with. It says: we’re all connected, we all start at this point and grow from here.”
UOW College Australia General Manager, Felix Lanceley, says the painting will be displayed in the College reception area for students, staff and the whole community to enjoy.
“UOW College provides an environment where students from across Australia and around the world can come together, find their path, and grow,” Felix says.
“We are delighted with the work Isabella has created for us all. It is not only visually stunning; it captures the essence of the student journey that begins with UOW College, flowing out into their diverse futures while remaining connected.”
Isabella’s passion for supporting students to reach their potential is also evident in her mentoring roles supporting cultural knowledge and educational pathways. Through her work at UOW Woolyungah Indigenous Centre, she has contributed to outreach programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in the Illawarra and beyond, raising awareness of higher education and other post-school options.
She is also part of the CSIRO Deadly in Generation STEM Program, participating in STEM camps and other initiatives to increase engagement and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in STEM education.
“I was the first in my family to go to uni, and I found it quite daunting to start with. I really wanted to help guide others through that, so they’re not so lost or overwhelmed. I figured if I can just go out there and talk to them, help them realise it’s simpler than they think and that they can actually do it themselves – that makes me so happy.”
Whether exploring her personal connection to culture through art, growing her scientific knowledge, or supporting others to thrive, Isabella says that the themes she explores in Flow are universal.
“It’s a reminder to take a step back and allow the river of life to guide you to your destination, to go with the flow. Everything happens in your life for a reason. You might not find that reason right away in all the twists and turns, but you’ll end up somewhere great.”