When Art Finds You
Written by Niki
The unexpected artist
We meet a lot of artists at the gallery.
They pop in to say hello, have a look around, tell us what they’re working on. We love these conversations – they’re one of the best parts of what we do. But every now and then, one of these encounters quietly turns into something much bigger.
This one started very innocently.
A woman came into the gallery with her husband and her mum. We got chatting, as you do, and she mentioned that she was an artist. Standard opening line in a gallery. I asked if she had any images of her work on her phone (also standard gallery behaviour), and she said no.
Not “no, not today.”
No as in… none at all.
She explained she had a studio here in Toowoomba and had made hundreds of artworks over the years, but she’d never photographed them.
I’ll be honest – that stopped me in my tracks.
In 2026, not having photos of your work is almost unheard of. Artists usually have beautifully curated Instagram feeds, folders of progress shots, studio pics, works in situ. So the idea that there were hundreds of unseen artworks quietly living in a studio a few minutes away from the gallery? Naturally, I was very curious.
The husband in the background
As we were chatting, I noticed her husband standing just behind her, mouthing to me:
“She’s very good. She’s very good.”
Now, I couldn’t quite tell if this was just the enthusiasm of a supportive partner (which we love) or a genuine attempt to let me in on a secret. Either way, it made me smile.
We had a really lovely conversation. Before she left, I gave her my card and said, very casually, “Send me an email when you get home.”
I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure if I’d hear from her. People are busy. Life happens.
But a few hours later, an email landed in my inbox with images of her work.
Lynda Jane - Unexpected Surprises
$290 | 12 x 17cm | Oil and cold wax on wood panel | Framed in Tasmanian oak
The moment my jaw hit the desk
I was completely blown away.
The works were extraordinary. Delicate, calming, quietly powerful. And I felt this strange mix of excitement and disbelief – how could these have been hidden away for so long? How had no one seen them?
Looking at them on a screen was one thing, but I couldn’t quite grasp the scale or texture. So I asked if she’d be open to bringing a few into the gallery.
When she did, the reaction was unanimous.
Leonie, Bec and I were all standing there, staring at these works in silence. They’re landscapes – yes, lots of people paint landscapes – but these had a softness and intricacy that felt really special. Textural, thoughtful, and incredibly calming to be around.
They didn’t shout.
They whispered.
And somehow, they still held the room.
Lynda Jane - The Possibilities
$290 | 12 x 17cm | Oil and cold wax on wood panel | Framed in Tasmanian oak
Why we love finding artists this way
One of the greatest joys of The Toowoomba Gallery is discovering artists organically. Not through slick pitches or perfect portfolios, but through real, human moments like this.
It feels a bit like being let in on a secret. Like you’ve stumbled across something special before the rest of the world has noticed.
And when we find work that genuinely moves us, our instinct is to share it with our community. Because what’s the point of finding something beautiful if you don’t pass it on?
Lynda Jane - Enjoy the Journey
$290 | 12 x 17cm | Oil and cold wax on wood panel | Framed in Tasmanian oak
Letting go (just a little bit)
For the Grammar Art Show this year, one of the requirements is that artists haven’t exhibited in the show in the past three years. Linda hadn’t. She was the perfect fit.
Now, I’ll be honest – part of me wanted to keep her all to ourselves at the gallery. There’s a tiny, selfish part of every gallerist that wants to hold onto a beautiful discovery just a bit longer.
But the bigger part of me knew this was exactly the kind of opportunity that matters. To showcase a local artist. To introduce her work to a broader community. To let her world open up a little.
That’s what these partnerships are about.
Creating spaces for artists to be seen.
Letting good work find its people.
Lynda Jane - In Search of Respite
$290 | 12 x 17cm | Oil and cold wax on wood panel | Framed in Tasmanian oak
A quiet reminder
This whole experience was a really lovely reminder that not all great artists are loud about their work. Some are quietly making extraordinary things in studios just around the corner, without fanfare, without fuss, without an Instagram following.
And sometimes, art doesn’t arrive with a polished pitch.
Sometimes it walks into the gallery with its mum and husband, says hello, and waits to be asked.
We’re so proud to be introducing Lynda's work at the Grammar Art Show this year, and even prouder that she’s part of our local creative community.
There’s nothing better than watching someone’s work finally step into the light.
