This painting of Ned Kelly grew from my interest in Australian history and in the people who come to represent something larger than their own lives. For me, Ned Kelly is not simply a historical figure. He has become a symbol of courage, resilience and the instinct to stand firm when the odds are against you.

His story is complicated, and I did not want to reduce him to either a hero or an outlaw. What interested me was the human being behind the armour - the strength, defiance and vulnerability that have allowed his image to remain so deeply embedded in the Australian imagination.

As someone who was not born in Australia but has made this country my home, painting Ned Kelly also became a way of engaging more closely with its history and identity. Australia has a powerful and distinctive character, shaped by endurance, independence and the ability to keep going through hardship. I wanted the painting to carry some of that spirit. Creating a major work is never a completely solitary process. My family and friends supported me throughout the development of the painting, encouraging me during the difficult stages and giving me the time and confidence to continue.

Through this work, I hoped to move beyond the familiar armour and create a sense of presence—something that reflects not only Ned Kelly himself, but also the courage and resilience that his story continues to represent.