About

Hilary Alder painting as a baby

I'm Hilary - I was fortunate to grow up in a rainforest in Cairns, Australia - with environmentalist parents who taught me the value of nature. They had sowed hundreds of plants to regenerate the land prior
to my birth, and that would grow in time with me. My childhood was filled with the growth of nature, imagination, and possibilities of a
better world. This has led my art to strive to capture that young-aged awe of nature. Even as a 1-year-old, I wanted to paint and capture the amazement of the colours, light, and movement on every surface -
even including paper clothes! 


I have been lucky in life and had the opportunity to travel, live, and see the world – reaching six of the seven continents! Each place has inspired me with their unique patterns and vibrancy in life, colours, and nature. 


I rediscovered art after struggling with my own health challenges throughout my adulthood, along with my partner’s cancer diagnose. I found solace in returning to my childhood wonder of nature through art. 


My exploration is focused on how to capture a single moment of nature’s
glory - just a flitting instance put in focus for the beholder. I have a unique approach to painting by creating a blurred lens affect to create depth and allow time to be frozen in the moment for longer. I hope it brings you solace as much as it brings me.

I have been told my painting are an escape to a joyful moments in nature,  the artistic version of the acts of "Friluftsliv" (Swedish), “Waldbaden” (German) or “Shinrin Yoku (森林浴)” (Japanese) which immerse the viewer in a nature experience for body, mind and soul.

 Although I think my two favourite words are:

  1. Komorebi (木漏れ日) which is deeper than its translation the interplay of sunlight filtering through the leaves of trees.
  2. Dadirri an Aboriginal Australian word describing contemplation, deep inner listening and quiet awareness of creation that allows you to be at peace with yourself and come to a deeper understanding of the beauty of nature.

I am so grateful to the land of the  Wurundjeri People whose land I have this privilege to spend time on and draw inspiration from.