Meet ex-Trinity Catholic College student and upcoming artist Molly Darvall, who has recently won the people's choice award in the 2020 Hurford Hardwood Portrait Prize. Read her story as told to Denise Alison of the Humans of Lismore.

Read more about Molly's art win: Local youth wins the Portrait Prize People's Choice Award

Molly Darvall - “ I was born in Brisbane. Mum and Dad needed to move to the country because my older sister had an asthma problem so we bought a house in Kyogle which we are still renovating.

My grandparents, Michael and Bett Taylor moved down as well. I loved being close to my grandparents. At that time my grandfather was still painting and I would walk into his studio from really young and he’d be drinking and smoking while he was painting.

He loved it and he created some beautiful works. We have so many of his paintings in our house. He would paint from his memories in boarding school in the 50’s and 60’s in England.

When I was two I would run around his studio and he’d get his scrap pencils out for me to draw with so I’d sit up next to him and draw. I started drawing so young and I’ve always been an arty person, always loved collecting vintage stuff. I went through lot’s of different phases with my art.

In Year 8 at Trinity I was asked to do a commission which was great. All through high school other students got part time work in cafe’s, etc, but I was self employed painting or drawing for people. 

For this work of my sister Nicki I wanted to expand what I was used to doing. I mostly drew but thought I would paint as this work was for my HSC. I draw a lot of pet portraits which is a lot of commission work and I enjoy it but I really want to find my own groove or style. 

With this work the sparrows which are protectors kind of symbolise concealing the emotions you go through when you are transforming from a child to a woman. They kind of act as fluttering emotions in a way…because you are still figuring things out during those years. 

Molly and her sister Nicki.

We live in Roxy Lane Cafe in Kyogle. It sounds odd when I say that. Growing up we had the markets across the road so we were in a really great spot. We had a good area where we could transform our courtyard into seating and we turned our verandah into the outdoor kitchen area where you can grab pastries, coffees, etc.

The kitchen we use personally when we aren’t open gets used when we are. Mum’s Head Chef and I make a lot of the sweets, waffles, crepes, granolas, etc. Nicki is expert on drinks so it’s a family affair. We specialise in Turkish Coffee. My older sister Zara is in QLD doing Law. Nicki is 16 and she’s trying to establish a pottery business.

Back in 2019 I was a finalist in Frankie Magazine in the Good Stuff Awards for my drawing of a Koala. That was so cool. I love drawing foxes too. 

I’m 18 now and moving to Melbourne in 2 weeks which is exciting. I’m going to Victorian College of the Arts. I will miss my family. Mum said, we are going to have a mourning Molly week. Mum and Dad are already getting emotional. My whole family are really proud of me. My Grandad is super proud.”