Regional Spotlight Artist Profile | Jacinta Padgett

The inaugural Regional Spotlight exhibition is a showcase of artistic talent from across the region. Developed from an expressions of interest process, the exhibition brings together painting, drawing, photography, and sculptural works by artists living and working in the Wide Bay-Burnett. The Regional Spotlight initiative is an opportunity for artists at any stage in their career, working in any visual art medium, to receive mentorship and share their work at the gallery. Jacinta Padgett is a local artist in our upcoming Regional Spotlight exhibition opening on 21st September 2024.

How long have you been making artwork?

I’ve always enjoyed photography, but I was limited for a long time because I didn’t really know where or how to start doing it properly. My love of photographing the natural environment really began when I worked on a local whale watching vessel in 2004 and 2005 and I ‘practiced’ my skills on the Humpback whales and local dolphins.

In about 2011/2012 I bought myself a lovely Nikon D3100, which is an entry level DSLR camera, and from there my photography really took off. Over the years, I’ve upgraded the lenses, but I still use my D3100 as it is still giving me great results.

What are your favourite mediums to work with and why?

I love photographing the natural environment in all its forms (animals, plants, landscape). Recently, I’ve been trying my hand at macro photograph, which is something new for me.

Who/what inspires or influences you?

I love highlighting the beauty of the natural environment, the obvious and the not-so-obvious. When we look at a plant we may see the pretty flowers it produces, but if we look a bit closer we can see its other beautiful features, such as the amazing network of leaf veins which move around the water and nutrients the plant needs for survival, the strikingly coloured and textured bark on its trunk, or the tiny hairs on budding leaves and flowers that help to trap water to prevent desiccation.

Has your practice and subject matter changed over time? If so, how?

I started out photographing Humpback whales and dolphins, and while they are still some of my favourite subjects, I now have a very large collection of plant photographs thanks to taking on the mammoth task of writing a book about some of the plant species found on K’gari (Fraser Island).

What do you like most about living in the region?

I love that we live on the doorstep of some of the most amazing natural places in the world. We are very lucky in that regard, and I enjoy capturing it with my camera and sharing it with those around me.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell myself to remember that practice makes perfect and to just get out there and have a go. The world of photography is full of people who are more than willing to share their knowledge and help you reach your photography goals, but you’ve got to put yourself out there to find them.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I feel very honoured to have been selected to participate in Hervey Bay Regional Gallery’s inaugural Regional Spotlight exhibition. Our region is full of amazing artists, and I am humbled to be among them.

What is the most interesting feedback you have had about your work?

Probably not very interesting, but National Tree Day has commented on several of my Instagram posts that my photos are “stunning” and “beautiful”. For me, that is just absolutely amazing feedback. Of course, my family and friends always give me lovely comments too.