After graduating from Sydney College of the Arts in the Object Studio and in addition to her fine beaded work, Valentine has focused on quirky interpretations from a broad range of mixed media.

“Feathers are my paint. Over the last twelve years I have developed my own technique and style using feathers. The source of the feathers is vital to my work and utilises what is available locally. My work shows sympathy with the bird’s previous life and creates a new life form. I wish to stimulate the viewer with the uncomfortable nature of the feather, to question our callousness treatment of animals and birds, and ask how we sub-consciously classify animals – pet or pest, valued or worthless, beautiful or plain and why.”

These works have recently received recognition with major awards.