Oil Painting

Mary Zammit

Mary Zammit is a self-taught Adelaide based artist, working representationally with oils.

Artist Profile

Mary Zammit is a self-taught Adelaide based artist, working representationally with oils. Mary spent her childhood travelling Australia and frequently practiced sketching the landscape and people around her. Her love of travel and the Australian coastline and landscape still play a large part in inspiring her work. Mary’s paintings are brought together with multiple layers of oil paint and a love of light, detail and colour.

Artist Interview

What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?

I work primarily with oil paints. I’m drawn to their richness and versatility—they allow me to create depth and those soft, glowing edges where light meets shadow.

How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?

It usually starts with an idea, something I want to express visually. I’ll go out exploring with my camera and a sketchbook to find a reference that fits, whether it’s a photo or a scene that captures the feeling I’m after. Once I have that, I start painting, letting the piece evolve in layers. When it’s time for an exhibition, I look at how the works connect and build a quiet story through light, mood, and colour.

Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?

I currently work from a home studio, with lots of natural light, something that’s important to me and the way I paint. With my two children now in school, I’ve found a rhythm that allows me to focus and create during the quieter moments of the day. I really enjoy my current setup, it allows me to stay connected to both my work and my family during this season of life. While I’d love to have a more dedicated space in the future to fully immerse in my practice, for now, I embrace the balance that working from home gives.

Career Highlights

  • Inside This Box finalist at Cornerstore Gallery (2023 & 2025)
  • Duo SALA exhibition 'Softly Spoken' with Natalie Andersen at Hither & Yon 2024||PARAGRAPH_BREAK||