Joan Humble, a celebrated artist from Tasmania, is facing a terminal illness but remains resolute in her passion for painting, vowing to continue as long as she is able to grasp a brush.
Renowned for her miniature artworks that depict expansive landscapes in a small format, Humble is currently showcasing her final exhibition at a gallery near Hobart.
The 88-year-old artist has been diagnosed with terminal cancer; however, she is committed to her craft, stating, “I want to make the most of the rest of my time. I’ve got five commissions to do, so I’ve got to keep going.”
Humble believes that her painting practice sustains her spirit. She remarked, “You can’t think about your body at all when you’re painting; you’ve got to concentrate on what colour you’ve got on your brush. Every brushstroke counts.”
Known for her meticulous attention to detail, Humble’s miniature pieces showcase the beauty of Tasmanian landscapes. She explains, “When you are looking at a miniature, you’re looking at the whole subject, so everything has to work. Your eyes are not travelling around the painting; you can see exactly what’s in front of you, so it’s got to be right.”
In 2014, she received the prestigious Golden Bowl, the highest accolade for miniature art on an international scale. The award-winning piece depicted a scene from Tasmania’s South West Wilderness, a location she has visited 16 times and plans to explore once more. “It’s true wilderness, absolutely unspoilt, rugged,” she said. “I paint what I love. You can’t paint it if you’re not enjoying the subject.”
The exhibition features over 40 pieces, a culmination of three years of work, ranging in size from large canvases to small works measuring just 10 centimeters by 5 centimeters. It is being held at the Lady Franklin Gallery, a historic building from the 1840s, designed in the Greek Revival style and established through the private funding of Lady Jane Franklin, the wife of Sir John Franklin, Tasmania’s former lieutenant-governor. This venue now serves as a hub for the Art Society of Tasmania.
Vicki Chapman, the vice president of the society, highlighted Humble’s talent for realistically portraying wild landscapes, particularly emphasizing Port Davey in Tasmania’s southern region. “They are very precise, and those who have been down there and know the area could pinpoint exactly where it is,” Chapman noted. “Joan is recognized for her miniatures worldwide. She has exhibited in Russia, England, and throughout Europe, with her works included in collections globally.”
Chapman described Humble as an inspiration, stating, “When you are driven, and she is driven to get up and paint every day, what a wonderful way to live your life.”
Reflecting on her journey, Humble expressed gratitude for her life as an artist, her “wonderful” husband, and her oncologist. “I look back and think of all the blessings I’ve had and the happiness I’ve had through my life. How you think about things makes a big difference. I could just sit in a chair and mope; where would that get me?” she concluded.
