Esther Bolz uses traditional illustration techniques to create highly detailed and meticulously rendered visuals. She is passionate about Australia’s native flora and fauna, particularly observing natures intricate lines, simple beauty or the unusual. Esther began her career in illustration after graduating from The University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Natural History Illustration in 2014. This rare degree was a stepping stone into her current practice and has refined her skills in observation, field drawing/collection as well as studio and professional practice. Her work ranges from book illustration to portraiture, watercolour designs and scientific illustrations.
Born and raised on the fringe of the Georges River bushland in Sydney, Esther has had a huge and wild backyard to explore and be inspired by. Today she specifically focusses on observing nature and creating from it. Esther thrives in the creative process - from simple sketches and scribbles to the hours of refining an artwork to perfection.
Her main goal is to create with purpose and to benefit the viewer - she achieves this by delivering incredible detail, understanding her subject matter and bringing it to life!
Esther is currently working as a Creative Educator for the Campbelltown Arts Centre delivering artistic programs with a focus on the natural world!
EDUCATION
2014 B. Natural History Illustration, University of Newcastle
2014 D. Business Management, Careers Australia
CLIENTS
Junkee Media, Will O’Rourke/Revolver, The University of Newcastle, Don McNair Herbarium NSW, CSIRO Publishing, Campbelltown City Council, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Camden Council
EXHIBITIONS
2024 Botanical Art Society oof Australia - Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show
2023 Featured Artist - Camden Kerbside Exhibition - Camden NSW
2022, 2023 Annual Camden Art Fair, Camden NSW
2018 Whimsy: Narratives of the Imagination Rochfort Gallery, North Sydney NSW
2018 Botanica: Symbiosis Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney NSW Australia
2017 Golden Heart Charity Show Long Point Conference Centre, Long Point NSW
2017 RAW: Radiant Orion Centre, Campsie NSW
2014 Natural History Illustration Third Year Showcase Design Building, Callaghan NSW
2013 A Multitude of Marks Watt Space Student Gallery Newcastle, NSW
2012 Insectosize Maitland Regional Art Gallery, Maitland NSW
2012 Hunter Botanical Art Prize Hunter Regional Botanic Gardens, Heatherbrae NSW
PUBLICATIONS
Flora of the Hunter: Endemic Trees and Larger Shrubs CSIRO Publishing, 2018
Philanthropy Bequest Brochure (Portrait artist) The University of Newcastle, 2017 - Present
A Guide to Stag Beetles of Australia, CSIRO Publishing, 2017
Spodooki Children’s Swap Card Collection, 2014
ACHIEVEMENTS
2024 Highly Commended Award - Trametes Versicolor, Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show
2019 Official Illustrator Jack Ma - Gift Commission - University of Newcastle
2018 Content Artist for In Bloom Alumni Breakfast Awards - University of Newcastle
2014 Australian Geographic Natural History Illustration Prize - University of Newcastle
2013 William Fletcher Grant for Talented Young Artists - William Fletcher Foundation
2013 Margaret Senior Wildlife Illustration Award Highly Commended - University of Newcastle
