SBS Portrait Prize 2020 ~ Finalist Sonya Jane Thoms

Southern Buoy Studios (SBS) Portrait Prize finalist, exhibition 10 - 20 March 2020. Canberra artist Sonya Jane Thoms. Her portrait of Neville George Perkins OAM a proud Arrente man from NT Australia, an important figure in Australian politics, a trail blaze for indigenous TV in this country, a profoundly influential figure in my life and the subject of this portrait.

"I have always been captivated by people and the profound meaning created through interpersonal relationships. Exploring how we connect, learn, and communicate has deepened my passion for capturing a person’s character, vulnerability, and strength. Just days before the exhibition was set to take place, COVID-19 and lockdown arose, leading to an online format. Yet, the show went on, reaffirming my belief that creativity is essential for the soul and should be shared with an audience by any means possible, even when we cannot meet in person," says Sonya.