Entertainment
23 July, 2026
Coastline theme of art show
FAR North Queensland artist Ebb Harper will unveil her debut solo exhibition, ‘Daughter of the Drift’, at Bingil Bay Café from 31 July, inviting viewers into a richly nostalgic world shaped by Australia’s coastal culture.
More than a collection of paintings and mixed media works, Daughter of the Drift represents the creative world Ms Harper has quietly built over a lifetime spent near the water.
“The ocean has always been part of who I am,” Ms Harper said, recalling that her first word was “boat.”
Growing up on Moreton Island, she spent her childhood wandering beaches, collecting shells, crafting with driftwood and painting.
These early experiences sparked a deep curiosity about coastal life, not only its landscapes but the people, traditions and objects that give it character.
That fascination continued into adulthood.
While studying in southeast Queensland, Harper often visited the Gold Coast Fishermen’s Co operative and working harbours in northern New South Wales to photograph old trawlers and working harbours.
Closer to home, she found inspiration at a local gathering spot known as ‘God’s Waiting Room,’ where retired fishermen met daily to swap stories, solve life’s problems and watch the water.
“I’ve always been drawn to the quieter side of coastal life,” she said.
“The wheelhouses, logbooks, weathered signs, early morning boat ramps, handwritten notes, the people who have spent their lives on the water, those are the things that fascinate me.”
Seven and a half years ago, Ms Harper moved to Far North Queensland, where the coastline offered new textures, colours and stories.
This shift in landscape deepened her practice, eventually evolving into Daughter of the Drift, an exploration spanning painting, illustration, handcrafted signage and mixed media works.
Each piece reflects the nostalgia and visual language of Australia’s coast, with Harper allowing each idea to find its natural form rather than confining herself to a single medium.
The exhibition features original works depicting captains, vintage fishing lures, navigation, weathered typography, worn timber and nostalgic coastal symbols.
Layers, stitched details and textured surfaces give many pieces the feeling of discovered artefacts and quiet nods to the past that invite viewers to create their own stories.
Ms Harper hopes visitors leave with a renewed appreciation for the small coastal details that often slip by unnoticed.
“If my work encourages someone to slow down, look a little closer or reconnect with a memory of the coast, then I’ve done what I set out to do.”
She credits local artist and curator Bernard KC for encouraging her to share this body of work, praising his commitment to creating opportunities and authentic connections within the local arts community.
Daughter of the Drift opens on 31 July with live music and great food with the exhibition running throughout August. All original works are available to buy.
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