Virginia Lydiard

Biography of Virginia Lydiard

Virginia Lydiard, a woman of remarkable versatility, transitioned from a distinguished legal career to an inspiring artistic journey at the age of 80. Her life, filled with diverse roles such as country girl, politician's wife, barrister, and mother of three, took an unexpected turn toward art.

Initially drawn to law, Virginia's determination led her to become one of the first women admitted to the Bar in NSW, enjoying a trailblazing 35-year career. However, her artistic path emerged when a chance encounter during a painting class at the National Art School ignited a passion for the line. This newfound love deepened during her recovery from spinal surgery, inspiring a psychedelic yet calming body of work.

Virginia Lydiard's Art Style

The canvas of Virginia's creativity unfolds on the foundation of lines extracted from the top of a painting table at the National Art School, where she pursued her formal education in painting. Each line carries its own melody, echoing the history of the table itself and the lives of those who once gathered around it. Virginia skillfully weaves these lines into her artwork, transforming them into a visual expression of the intricate tapestry of her own life.

Intriguingly, Virginia draws parallels between her legal and artistic pursuits, highlighting the unpredictability inherent in both endeavors. Reflecting on her art, she embraces the unknown, allowing compositions to unfold naturally. Her artistic journey, marked by spontaneity and a love for the accidental, defies conventional expectations.