About Anita
Anita’s artistic journey is one of deep connection to the land and the stories it holds. Her work, which includes paintings, linocut prints, and etchings, is a reflection of the landscapes and social histories of the regions she calls home—primarily King Valley, North East Victoria, and various other places she’s visited, such as Mildura, the Wimmera, Tasmania, and Ireland. Her unique style captures the essence of both natural and man-made environments, blending nostalgia with a sense of longing through whimsical imagery.
Anita’s passion for printmaking and painting has been a constant thread throughout her career. After graduating with a Fine Art degree in 1983, she immersed herself in the Melbourne arts scene, joining a studio with fellow artists like Bill Young, who would become her creative partner. Her work has evolved over the years, seeing her take part in numerous solo and group exhibitions. For instance, the Significant Other exhibition in 2022 at Hyphen Gallery in Wodonga was a pivotal moment, tracing her long-standing collaboration with Bill and offering insight into their shared printmaking journey.
She also exhibited at The Muse Gallery of Milawa from 2003 to 2016, participating in both solo and joint exhibitions with her brother, sculptor Malcolm Laurence. In 2013, Anita and Malcolm collaborated on the design and construction of the St Bernard Primary School 50th Anniversary mural sculpture, a project that showcased their combined creative talents.
Her work has also been part of prestigious group exhibitions like Printed Habitat at Wangaratta Art Gallery in 2023. Beyond her exhibitions, Anita’s involvement in the community through King Valley Arts has strengthened her connection to the region. She plays an active role in organizing events like the annual King Valley Art Show and in bringing live performances to the area through King Valley Arts Presents.
Anita’s residency at The Art Vault in Mildura, where she spent years creating prints and paintings inspired by the region’s landscapes, stands out as another key aspect of her artistic practice. Exhibitions like Milawa To The Millewa (2017) and SunRaysed (2010) are some of her notable solo shows that showcase her relationship with the land.
Through her continuous exploration of the natural world and social history, Anita’s art captures more than just landscapes—it’s a living testament to the places and people that have shaped her life and work.
Her artworks are in the public collections of Wangaratta Art Gallery; Silk Cut Foundation Collection, National Gallery of Australia; Parliament House Art Collection, Canberra; Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga; Mildura Arts Centre; Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery; Federation Council, Corowa NSW; Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute; The Northside Group, St. Leonards NSW; Wangaratta Dialysis Centre; Albury/Wodonga Patient and Carer Accommodation Centre and numerous private collections in Australia, Canada, China, Italy, Ireland, Japan, UK and the USA.
Examples of My Work
