How did you feel about being included in HEADSPACE 9?

It was a huge surprise! My art teacher entered my portrait into the competition without me knowing. It was a proud moment for me to see it hanging at the Gallery among some of Australia’s best portraits.

Is the theme of your self-portrait still significant for you today?

Yes. The portrait explores the feeling of uncertainty associated with stepping out of our comfort zone. In the decade since painting it, I’ve moved away from home, studied engineering, married, had three kids, and enjoyed a challenging career. Reflecting on all of this, I can see this theme has emerged many times throughout the last ten years. I’ve learnt that comfort and familiarity are good, however it’s when we’re pushed outside of our comfort zone that we grow the most.

Do you have a favourite portrait in the NPG collection?

I really admire Self portrait by Janet Dawson. You can tell immediately that it was painted from life. Up close, the painting is a mess of boldly painted brushstrokes. From a distance, the paint merges together to form a simple and honest figure.

Thanks Daniel! It’s good to have you back around the place.

Daniel’s artwork can now be seen on display at the National Portrait Gallery.

See Daniel’s 2009 portrait.

Read about Janet Dawson.

Integrated Technical Management are longstanding providers of technical facility management services to the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra. See https://www.agcoombs.com.au/news-and-publications/publications/maintenance-in-the-heart-of-canberra/