Thea Skelsey is a Coolangatta based artist whose practice looks at deconstructing concepts to arrive at their most simplistic form. Through a process of elimination she cleverly distils complex ideologies and translates them into bold and defining statements that tie into her lifestyle and surround coastal landscapes.
Thea’s application of paint is slow and meticulous; her exacting brushstrokes rendering the curves, lines and waves that form her distinctive style. Her patience and steady hand a testament to the craftsmanship at the centre of her practice. Thea’s designs are eye-catching and effortless, a cohesive display of elements that speak for the time and care taken to achieve them.
Endlessly inspired by culture, language and travel, Thea worked on numerous commissions abroad where she developed her pared back style that speaks to the integrity of form and function.
Her work can be seen such places as The Design Files, in a number of group shows, and her most recent solo show ‘Bird Feet’, 2022.
Water Walls, Mural Commission, Gold Coast City Council, Nerang, 2023
Incubate*, Residency, Placemakers* Gold Coast, April 2023
Brewing Local Artists, Exhibition, Burleigh Brewery, 2022
Scoop! Festival, Commission, HOTA, 2021
Christmas Commission, HOTA, 2020
stART, Grant, Placemakers*, 2020
“From My Perspective”, HOTA Rage Against The V(irus) Grant, 2020
“House Party” for Bleach* Festival, Installation, Mint Art House, 2020
“Regenerate” Bushfire Fundraiser, Group Exhibition, Mint Art House, 2020
“ACID Test Vol. II”, Group Exhibition, Level One Seventeen, 2020
Commissions / Grants / Exhibitions
Burleigh Brewing Co / Merch, tap house mural, limited release beer bottle label
Salty Shadows x THEA / Beach umbrella design
Brand Collaboration
Interviews / Features
‘Deconstructing Art’ Mercedes Benz Gold Coast, Interview, 2023
We Are Gold Coast, Interview, 2022
Rhythm Clothing, In the Studio: Thea Skelsey, Interview/Collaboration, 2021
Pedestrian TV, Dream Chasers, Advertorial/Interview 2021
The Design Files, Feature with Shelley Banders
Blank Street Press, Article, Oct 2020
Finders Keepers Sydney 2019, Feature
Trader Trove, Interview
The Design Kids, Interview