Thea Skelsey (she/her)

Thea Skelsey is a multidisciplinary artist based in Coolangatta, known for her ability to distil complex ideas into bold, minimal forms. Her practice spans sculpture, design, and public art, drawing from a strong foundation in tactile making, intuitive decision-making, and a deep sensitivity to place.

Guided by a clear aesthetic vision, Thea’s work is shaped by her coastal surroundings, an ongoing fascination with colour theory, and a belief in the power of simplicity. Whether translating a mural concept from sketch to street, or creating site-responsive sculptural pieces, she maintains a commitment to clarity, balance, and material integrity.

With experience in international commissions and collaborative public works, Thea’s portfolio reflects a versatile and accessible approach. Most notably, she co-created The Gilded Path with Art_Public — a permanent pedestrian mural in Murwillumbah that transforms a stretch of asphalt into an immersive spatial and visual experience.

Her creative process is multidisciplinary by nature — painting, drawing, and design often overlap in her studio, feeding into projects that range from brand collaborations to large-scale installations. She is particularly drawn to collapsing layered concepts into elemental gestures: colour, shape, line.

Through the program, Thea aims to refine her approach to public commissions, grow her confidence in managing large-scale projects, and continue developing work that bridges utility and beauty with thoughtful precision.

Her favourite spot on the Gold Coast is Rainbow Bay, where the rhythm of the surf and the stillness of off-season longboard days offer a source of calm and inspiration. When not in the studio, she can be found cycling along the coast with her family, tracing routes from one café to the next — always observing, always collecting.