Who is Sandy?
Port Lincoln-based artist, Sandy Harder, works predominantly with oils as she explains “the creamy richness of the paint excites her” and fires her enthusiasm to “just paint.”
After attending workshops with distinguished South Australian Artists Megan Roodenrys, Richard Rogers, and John Lacey, along with weekly private classes, Sandy possesses a craze and pursuit to learn new techniques; a work ethic which makes up for her lack of formal training.
Oils aren’t the only medium Sandy investigates. After attending various print and paper making, bookbinding, watercolours, and abstract workshops, Sandy has established herself as a respected member of the local Eyre Peninsula art scene and has exhibited in a variety of local venues and group retrospectives.
In Port Lincoln, Sandy is the wife of a fisherman and co-owner of the family seafood business. Whilst being a business owner has kept her from practicing full-time, Sandy believes “this has set her apart on her art career.”
From the paintings, sculptures, and linoleum printing of local fish species which line the gift shop, to the company packaging, kitchen-wear and clothing design, it is clear Sandy has molded her art and business together to work in perfect unison.
As for her inspiration, Sandy says “the critters that come into the factory for processing are my inspiration. Marine life is exciting – the colours, the patterns, the shapes, and sizes – it all leads itself to be on a new piece at any time.”
Port Lincoln is on the Southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula. The rugged coastal scenery and endless farming backdrops are another stimulus for her work. Sandy explains “the Eyre Peninsula poses a lifetime of paintings in a never-ending inspiration for landscapes, colour, and abstraction.” Recently winning the Kimba Art Prize with a landscape is evidence to this.
“Painting, printmaking, and sculpture has become a consuming passion of mine and after 20 years of pursuit, I can undoubtedly say it still excites me to this day”. – Sandy Harder (Resident artist at The Fresh Fish Place (Port Lincoln South Australia), Port Lincoln Art Group member, Chair of Eyre Arts Action Incorporated.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Winner of Greenhouse Interiors Art Prize 2026 (Living Room)
Winner of the Kimba Art Prize 2021
Honourable Mention Port LINCOLN Art Prize 2015
Winner ABC Regional SALA Prize 2014
EXHIBITIONS
Jumpship Brewery October 2024
Resident Artist, The Fresh Fish Place
Group Exhibition Nautilus Art Centre 2023
Group Exhibition Nautilus Art Centre 2022
Rogue & Rascal Port Lincoln 2022
Cushdy Lounge Port Lincoln Hotel 2021
Beer Garden Brewery 2019
SALA Port Lincoln Fresh Fish Co 2015
Rotary Gallery Port Lincoln 2014
Cushdy Lounge Grand Tasman Hotel 2010
