Katrina O’Brien’s striking works of ink, acrylic and graphite sway between painting and drawing. Indeed, Katrina sees her artwork as a kind of dance, and a way of delving into her own and others’ inner psyche.

Says Katrina of the work: “The title of this work is the unofficial job description I’ve given myself in recent times. It’s the essence of what I do. I don’t just listen to or respond to music – I absorb it, much like the paper absorbs ink. Some people get inspired by other artist’s paintings, but I have always been influenced by music.

“Quite a few of the works in The Unearthing of Words have been influenced and inspired by the music of Peter Liddle (formerly lead singer of Dry The River, a UK band, now a solo artist – PD Liddle). His work and his voice can be quite understated, almost vulnerable at times, but there is a gentle power in his work that I really connect with. At times it’s unpolished, but at the same time can also sound as if he just dropped from the heavens (as in Dry The River’s song Zaytoun). His words have a beautiful, effortless poetry that I just connect with.

“A long-term influence on my work is Laura Marling. Her gorgeous new album Song For Our Daughter came at a good time, during the craziness of Covid. I love that her voice is so unique, beautiful and strong – it fits so well with a guitar. She is so good at what she does. I was lucky enough to see her live in Sydney just before things started shutting down this year. Her voice has always been a great inspiration for me.”