Radius 7.0.2

Erin Nelson 

is a New Zealand-born emerging artist now based in Port Hedland, Western Australia. Her diverse career path, including roles in radio, hospitality, and music touring, combined with her unconventional family background has deeply shaped Erin’s empathetic and personal approach to both life and art.  

 Erin’s artistic practice spans acrylic painting, pen illustration, and photography. Her work often focuses on the essence of human and environmental subjects—faces, bodies, birds, and buildings—each piece characterized by vibrant colours and emotive line work. Drawing inspiration from both the mundane and the messy, Erin’s creations serve as a bridge between her internal human experiences and the external environment. She blends bright, cartoon-like colour blocking with textured applications, creating a visual narrative that reflects her personal view of the world—one of vibrancy, romanticism, and reflection. 

Since moving to Port Hedland, Erin was struck by its supportive and close-knit community, and has become deeply interested in the town’s history. Life in Port Hedland has allowed Erin the time and space to explore her creativity further, particularly as she contemplates transitioning from hobbyist to professional artist. Through her participation in the Radius exhibition, Erin has explored the local history, architecture, and people of Port Hedland, capturing the often-overlooked beauty and stories of the town. Her art critiques the management of local history while also celebrating the heart and resilience of the community.