Kath Unsworth

Head and shoulder shot of artist Kath Unsworth.

Kath Unsworth is a south coast–based visual artist working primarily in pen, ink and coloured pencil. Her practice explores the space between close observation and imagination, drawing inspiration from native birdlife and the small, often overlooked ecosystems found in and around her garden.

Shaped by daily walks through bushland, shifting seasons and the comings and goings of birds, Kath’s work begins with careful looking. Using fine‑line pen and ink, she creates highly detailed black‑and‑white drawings of birds and insects, capturing the intricate textures of feathers, branches and natural forms. These restrained works carry a quiet, meditative quality.

Alongside this, Kath creates coloured‑pencil works on black paper, where vibrant colour and metallic paint introduce contrast, play and theatricality. These whimsical pieces move beyond realism, allowing metaphor and fantasy to enter the frame while still remaining grounded in the natural world.

Kath has exhibited in solo and group exhibitions at Bungendore Fine Art Gallery and in SECCA‑supported exhibitions across regional New South Wales. She was a finalist in the Basil Sellers Art Prize (2024), and her work is held in private collections, including by repeat collectors. She is currently illustrating her first picture book.

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