In 1987, Perth-born Trish Hart went south with the Australian Antarctic Division’s then-titled Humanities program to record wildlife for calendars, children’s books and a set of five stamps for Australia Post (released in 1988).

Trish has written and illustrated two children’s books, Antarctic Diary and There Are No Polar Bears Down There, published by Thomas Nelson Australia.

She has worked as a freelance illustrator, producing many calendars featuring Australian wildlife, including Endangered Wildlife with the World Wide Fund for Nature and published by John Sands. Trish’s skills are now well known through her work for the Gould League which has resulted in her being awarded the Environment Award for Children’s Literature in 1999.

Her interests include wildlife in our oceans as well as the Tall Ships that sail on them. This has resulted in a calendar on whales and dolphins, and two successful maritime exhibitions at the Melbourne Maritime Museum. She has also held a one woman show at the Australian embassy in Washington in 1995.

Art awards won by Trish include the Wildlife Artists Society of Australasia’s Drawing Award, 1985–86-87, and first prize in the Victorian Artists Society Spring Exhibition, 1987. Trish has been profiled in Artists and Galleries of Australia by Max Germaine (1983).

Antarctic impression

“Little did I realise when I decided to see the Antarctic that the memories of its beauty would have such an impact on me — I’m sure they will remain with me for a lifetime.

In 1987 I went south to record wildlife for calendars, children’s books and a set of five stamps for Australia Post. It was on the last successful trip of the Nella Dan and changed my life forever. The Antarctic (and the Nella Dan and her wonderful Danish crew) hold a special place in my heart and I try to incorporate them in many artistic and educational projects. My two month trip included Macquarie Island, Heard Island and Davis station. I couldn’t believe my luck.

When I returned (after struggling with the loss of the Nella) I studied printmaking, which resulted in a series of etchings and lithographs of baby elephant seal pups, comical rockhoppers, majestic albatross, plump Adélies and emperor chicks — all hand printed.”

on