Kate Gorman is an established artist based in the North-East Valleys region of Victoria. Her practice is an exploration of colour, the landscape and mark-making. She draws great inspiration from the atmosphere and vibrancy of culture, people, and food encountered on her extensive travels. Kate works with an expressive and painterly technique, building layers of colour in an abstract style.

Kate completed a Bachelor of Visual Art and Design in 2006 after an earlier career in fashion and has since been practising full-time with regular solo exhibitions and residencies. Kate has won various art awards including the 2015, 2012 & 2010 King Valley Art Show, the 2015 & 2014 Wodonga Art Prize, and the 2009 Wangaratta Jazz Art Award.

Kate’s work is held in private and public collections throughout Australia and internationally.

Reverie

“In a world that moves too fast, ‘Reverie’ serves as a refuse.

Through my paintings, I offer an invitation to step away, to breathe, and to find solace in the quiet beauty of simple spaces.

Reflecting the profound influence of aquatic environments, this exhibition draws inspiration from summer houses, water, lakes, and swimming pools

In the quiet embrace of summer retreats, my work seeks to capture the essence of solitude, creativity, and place. Inspired by the serenity of summer houses- those tucked away sanctuaries where time slows and the mind expands- I explore the interplay between memory, places, and artistic expression. I invite the viewer to step into a world where art becomes a meditative pause. Each piece reflects a moment of quiet contemplation, drawing from natural landscapes.” – Kate Gorman, 2025

Moments of Reflection

“In my art, I embark on a visual journey that encapsulates the essence of my favourite places – from the tranquil embrace of ocean pools to the rustic charm of autumn in rural landscapes. Each stroke on the canvas reflects the whispering winds across back paddocks and the meandering beauty of a bend in the river. The trees lining the riverbanks dance in harmony with flowing creeks, creating a symphony of nature’s hues.

Capturing the allure of the ocean, I delve into the intricate world of rock pools adorned with seaweed and shells, inviting viewers to explore the wonders beneath the surface. From crawling creatures to the relentless crash of waves, my work is a vivid tapestry of cherished memories and beloved locations.

Through a meticulous play with colour and layering, I strive to evoke the emotional resonance of these places, inviting spectators to join me in the celebration of nature’s diverse palette and the harmonious interplay of elements. My art serves as a testament to the profound connection we share with the landscapes we love, encapsulating the spirit of each treasured locale in every brushstroke.” – Kate Gorman, 2024

Artist Statement

Painting for me is a wonderful escape into my own world. By immersing myself in the process, I forget what is happening around me except for the rhythm of the music playing at the time, while I experiment with colour and mark making. Colour is what it is all about for me, while I give little thought to the subject matter. I experiment with the relationship of one colour against the next and I am delighted with some unusual outcomes. I feel that when a painting is working, it is dancing and singing.

Travel has been a major inspiration for my art. Whilst travelling, I am absorbing the atmosphere and vibrancy of culture, people, landscapes, food and most importantly, colour.

I have always been an artist in some respects because I have been creative in everything I have done. As a child I was always drawing and painting, as well as sewing. I was inspired by my grandmother who owned a ‘frock shop’ and was also a talented dressmaker and milliner. It was a joy to explore the fine silks and velvets from her remnant box. Consequently, I followed this fashion path by studying Dress Design at East Sydney Tech in the mid-seventies, which entailed not only designing, pattern making and sewing, but also fashion illustration and textile printing.

It wasn’t until 2002 after painting socially with my late father, who was a traditional artist, that I enrolled in a formal art course, a Diploma of Arts (Visual Art). It was then that I realised my true calling: painting! Now totally inspired, I continued onto university and gained a Bachelor of Visual Art and Design. I have been practicing as a professional artist since 2006 with regular solo exhibitions and gallery representation.

Education

2021 Artist in residence, Lon Retreat and Spa, Point Lonsdale, Bellarine Peninsular
2018 Idris Murphy Workshop, Sydney, NSW
2013,2015  Art Study Tour, Chiusi, Italy
2011,2012  Painting Workshop, Chiusi, Italy
2004-2006  Bachelor of Visual Arts + Design, Aust Catholic University, VIC
2002-2003  Diploma of Arts-Visual Arts, Goulburn Ovens Tafe, VIC
1986-1992  Advanced Fashion Certificate, Corowa, NSW
1974-1976  Dress Design, East Sydney Technical College, NSW

Awards

2021 Finalist, 2021 Calleen Art Award, Cowra, NSW
2019 Winner of ‘Friends of the Art Show’ category, King Valley Art Show, VIC
2018 Highly Commended, Trinity College Art Show, Thurgoona, NSW
2018 Finalist, Pro Hart Outback Art Prize, Broken Hill, NSW
2018 Winner of ‘Friends of the Art Show’ category, King Valley Art Show, VIC
2017  Highly Commended, Trinity Anglican College Art Award, NSW
2017  Finalist, Trinity Anglican College Art Award, Thurgoona, NSW
2016  Finalist, Calleen Art Award, Cowra Regional Gallery, NSW
2015  Winner of ‘Friends of the Art Show’ category, King Valley Art Show, VIC
2015  Winner, Arts Wodonga Hume Bank Acquisitive Contemporary Art Award, Wodonga, VIC
2014  Winner, Arts Wodonga Hume Bank Acquisitive Contemporary Art Award, Wodonga, VIC
2014  Finalist, Calleen Art Award, Cowra Regional Gallery, NSW
2013  Winner, Oils Section, Yarrawonga-Mulwala Art and Photographic Exhibition, VIC
2013  Highly Commended, Yarrawonga-Mulwala Art and Photographic Exhibition, VIC
2012  Winner, Local Scene, King Valley Art Show, VIC
2010  Winner, Theme Water, King Valley Art Show, VIC
2010  Runner Up, Viva Italia Art, VIC
2009  Winner, Wangaratta Jazz Art Award, VIC
2009  Highly Commended, King Valley Art Show, VIC
2009  Highly Commended, A Feast of Art Milawa, VIC
2006  Outstanding Graduate Award, Aust Catholic University, VIC
2006  Deans List, Aust Catholic University, VIC
2005  Deans List, Aust Catholic University, VIC
2003  Outstanding Achievement Award, Goulburn Ovens Tafe, VIC

Solo Exhibitions

2025 Exhibition Reverie at Art2Muse Gallery, Woollahra, NSW
2024 Exhibition Moments of Reflection at Art2Muse Gallery, Woollahra, NSW
2023 Rambling Gardens, Art2Muse Gallery, Woollahra, NSW
2022 The Garden and Beyond, Art2Muse Gallery, Woollahra, NSW
2021  Shorelines, Art2Muse Gallery, Woollahra, NSW
2020  Tropical Memories, Art2Muse Gallery, Double Bay, NSW
2019  ‘Drawn to Water‘,  Art2Muse Gallery, Double Bay, NSW
2019 ‘Dreaming’, Hive Gallery, Ocean Grove, VIC
2019 ‘Storehouse’, Storehouse, St Kilda, VIC
2018 ‘Coast to Coast’, Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Wangaratta, VIC
2018  ‘Following a Dream’, Art2Muse Gallery, Double Bay, NSW
2017  ‘Having Fun’, Off Centre Gallery + Studio, Milawa, VIC
2016  ‘sites: earth+water’, exhibition with Di Mangan, Art Space Wodonga, VIC
2015  ‘Gathered Treasures’, Panoply Gallery, South Yarra VIC
2014  ‘Ocean’, Strickland Gallery, Hobart, TAS
2013  ‘Waterways’, Catherine Asquith Gallery, Collingwood, VIC
2012  ‘Progression’, Wangaratta Art Gallery, Wangaratta, VIC
2010  ‘King Valley Series’, Display, Espresso on Ovens, Wangaratta, VIC
2010  ‘King Valley Series’, Display, Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, VIC
2010  ‘Voyage Francaise ll’, Bainz Gallery, Wangaratta, VIC
2010  ‘Voyage Francaise’, Gallery 295, Corowa, NSW
2009  ‘Mayan Adventures’, Gallery 294, Corowa, NSW
2009  ‘Launch’, Business & Professional centre, Yarrawonga, VIC
2008  ‘Vista Italiane’, Mella Gallery Armadale, VIC
2007  ‘Abstraction’, Canvas Gallery Surrey Hills, NSW
2006  ‘Backstreets and Outback’, Blacksphere Gallery, Richmond, VIC
2006  ‘Horizons’, Muse Gallery, Milawa, VIC

Group Exhibitions

2022 Melbourne Affordable Art Fair
2021 Coastal Walk Exhibition, Lon Retreat and Spa + Hive Gallery, Ocean Grove
2019 King Valley Art Show, VIC
2019 IBROX Gallery Easter Exhibition, Mansfield, VIC
2018 IBROX Gallery Easter Exhibition, Mansfield, VIC
2018 King Valley Art Show, VIC
2018 Trinity College Art Show, Thurgoona, NSW
2017 Trinity College Art Show, Thurgoona, NSW
2017  ‘Paint Presto Wangaratta’, Wangaratta, VIC
2017   ‘King Valley Art Show, King Valley, VIC
2016  ‘The Calleen Art Award’, Cowra NSW
2015  Words that Matter Exhibition, Wangaratta Art Gallery, Wangaratta VIC
2014  ‘Arts Wodonga Hume Bank Acquisitive Contemporary Art Award’, Wodonga VIC
2014  ‘Jazz & Blues Interpreted’, Wangaratta Art gallery, VIC
2014  ‘Spring Madness’, Gallery 294, Corowa, NSW
2014  ‘The Calleen Art Award’, Cowra Regional Gallery, NSW
2013  ‘The Christmas Show’, Wangaratta Art Gallery, VIC
2013  ‘Across the Arts’, Wangaratta Art Gallery, VIC
2012  ‘King Valley Art Show’, King valley, VIC
2011  ‘Degrees of Abstraction’, 27 Gipps Street Gallery, Richmond, VIC
2011  ‘Hume Building Society Exhibition’, Wodonga,VIC
2011  ‘Paintworks’, Wangaratta Art Gallery, VIC
2011  ‘Yarrawonga-Mulwala Art & Photographic Exhibition, NSW
2011  ‘Lake Rowan Art Exhibition’, VIC
2010  ‘Warming Up Exhibition’, VIC
2010  ‘Viva Italia Art Award’, Wangaratta, VIC
2009  ‘Hume Building Society Art Award’, Wodonga, VIC
2009-10  ‘Wangaratta Jazz Art Award’, Wangaratta Art Gallery, VIC
2009  ‘Make a Wish Exhibition’, Bainz Gallery, Wangaratta, VIC
2009  ‘A Feast of Art’, Oxley, Vic
2008  ‘Opening’, Mella Gallery, Armadale, VIC
2008  ‘Winter Exhibition’, Bell Gallery, Berrima, NSW
2008-09  ‘Bundalong art Exhibition’, Bundalong, VIC
2008  ‘Travellers’, Muse Gallery, Milawa, VIC
2007  ‘King Valley Art Show’, King Valley, VIC
2007  ‘The Collectors Exhibition’, Steps gallery, Carlton, VIC
2007  ‘She Who Dreams’, Walker St Gallery, Dandenong, VIC
2006  ‘Be Amazed’, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC
2006-07  ’20 Perspectives’, Onsen Retreat, Dinner Plain, VIC
2005  ‘Touch of Red’, Blacksphere gallery, Richmond, VIC
2005  ‘E G Seven’, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC
2004  ‘One Vision’, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC

Commissions

2021 Commission for Gateway Restaurant and hotel by the Jones Hotel Group