Art Almanac: In the studio with NAS alumna Catherine O’Donnell

Art Almanac: In the studio with NAS alumna Catherine O’Donnell

by Danielle Neely

Article by: Jaimi Wright. Photo: Catherine O’Donnell, Urban Perspective, Large window, 2018, charcoal on paper, 100.7 × 135.5cm unframed. Courtesy the artist, Dominik Mersch Gallery, Sydney and Orange Regional Gallery, New South Wales

What does a typical day in the studio look like for you?
Currently, because I am working towards two exhibitions, I get up and get into the studio about 9am and probably finish around 4 or 5pm, with a very quick lunch in between. That is the case pretty much five days a week with a little extra on the weekend, so I spend as much time as I can in the studio at the moment. My studio is in my home. It’s in my garage off the side of my house, so I do have the luxury of being in my home if I want to, rather than travel somewhere to do my work.

Artistically, what draws you to architectural vernacular?
In particular, I love geometry, and the way the configuration fibrobeading and fibro sheets in fibro (low income) housing, in my eyes, makes abstract forms. The overall embedded primary and geometric shapes in these dwellings are really what captures my imagination.

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Early Round Applications close in 9 days!

All students are encouraged to apply to our Early Admissions Round before 21 August 2025 to secure their place.

Applications for the School Recommendation Scheme close on 4 October. If you`re applying for a scholarship, be sure to submit your application by this deadline as well.

At NAS Open Day take an inside look into art school life. Visit open studios and participate in creative workshops and get application ready with a one-on-one portfolio consultation and information session. (Link in bio)

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Aug 12

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Early Round Applications close in 9 days!

All students are encouraged to apply to our Early Admissions Round before 21 August 2025 to secure their place.

Applications for the School Recommendation Scheme close on 4 October. If you're applying for a scholarship, be sure to submit your application by this deadline as well.

At NAS Open Day take an inside look into art school life. Visit open studios and participate in creative workshops and get application ready with a one-on-one portfolio consultation and information session. (Link in bio)

Exciting news! Thanks to Creality (@creality_anz), the National Art School is now equipped with the latest 3D printers and equipment.

This semester, printmaking lecturer Stephanie Nova Milne has been guiding students as they explore 3D printing in their creative practice, and the results are incredible.

We look forward to seeing what they create next.

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Aug 11

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Exciting news! Thanks to Creality (@creality_anz), the National Art School is now equipped with the latest 3D printers and equipment.

This semester, printmaking lecturer Stephanie Nova Milne has been guiding students as they explore 3D printing in their creative practice, and the results are incredible.

We look forward to seeing what they create next.

The Future is creative, and it starts here. Join us for Open Day on 6 September and discover why the National Art School is the art school of choice.* Visit nas.edu.au/open-day for more information.

*Leading art school preferences in UAC 2016-2025.

Music by NAS Alum @harrison_chao

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Aug 8

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The Future is creative, and it starts here. Join us for Open Day on 6 September and discover why the National Art School is the art school of choice.* Visit nas.edu.au/open-day for more information.

*Leading art school preferences in UAC 2016-2025.

Music by NAS Alum @harrison_chao

Hello, Art Adventurer!

You`re invited to make a journey with Booby and Eel through an exhibition filled with BIG artworks with powerful stories and ideas.

Follow the trail, read the clues, and get hands-on with art. When you get too tired after the adventuring, we have a cosy Children`s Corner to read and rest.

NAS Gallery is now open on Sundays and we can`t wait to welcome you this weekend!

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Aug 7

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Hello, Art Adventurer!

You're invited to make a journey with Booby and Eel through an exhibition filled with BIG artworks with powerful stories and ideas.

Follow the trail, read the clues, and get hands-on with art. When you get too tired after the adventuring, we have a cosy Children's Corner to read and rest.

NAS Gallery is now open on Sundays and we can't wait to welcome you this weekend!

Due to the overwhelming interest in The Neighbour at the Gate, we are excited to announce that the NAS Gallery is now open on Sunday, for the duration of the exhibition.

Head to the link in bio to plan your visit.

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Aug 1

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Due to the overwhelming interest in The Neighbour at the Gate, we are excited to announce that the NAS Gallery is now open on Sunday, for the duration of the exhibition.

Head to the link in bio to plan your visit.

Ever wondered what it’s like studying at the National Art School?

Find out at our Open Day on Saturday 6 September, 10am to 4pm.

Considering art as a career or simply curious about what happens behind the school’s historic sandstone walls? Save the date on Eventbrite (link in bio) to see what life is like for students at NAS by participating in studio demonstrations, chatting to our academic staff and visiting the NAS Gallery and student exhibition spaces across our campus.

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Jul 30

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Ever wondered what it’s like studying at the National Art School?

Find out at our Open Day on Saturday 6 September, 10am to 4pm.

Considering art as a career or simply curious about what happens behind the school’s historic sandstone walls? Save the date on Eventbrite (link in bio) to see what life is like for students at NAS by participating in studio demonstrations, chatting to our academic staff and visiting the NAS Gallery and student exhibition spaces across our campus.