FEATURE - Commune and create

How a visit to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve proved a defining moment for artist Sascha Tillsley.

By Travis Earsman

Sitting down to speak with Sascha Tillsley one autumn morning, I was immediately put at ease by her joyful and gentle presence. I’ve known her for years at this point, having been her daughter Willow’s school bus driver. Whilst I got to know Willow quite well amid her matter-of-fact tales of magic and fairies, I never really spoke to Sascha much. 

The conversations we did have, however, though limited to a few words through the open bus door, were always rewarding and uplifting. It was good to finally catch up properly to discuss her art. 

The love of art and nature seemed destined to inspire a young Sascha, as her father was the superintendent at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney. This meant she literally lived and grew up in a magical wonderland of trees, serenity and nature. It was here, amongst the trees, that Sascha found her deep connection to nature. 

She’s always ‘had a thing for the specialness of trees,’ and looking at her art now, that is clear. The depth and detail that she brings to her depictions of nature goes beyond simple lines on a page; she is capturing and expressing something far deeper than surface appearances. 

“My practice starts with being in nature, finding an inspiring location, a special tree for example. I like to experience my surroundings, observe and then photograph the subject. Back in the studio the process of drawing begins and the detailed line work brings me into a relaxed flow state which I love. I remember the feeling of the forest and I hope to bring this to the viewer.”

In her early twenties Sascha studied archaeology, anthropology and fine art, driven by her fascination with the ancient world and of course, art. She worked as an archaeologist (and chef) in Sydney, before moving to the Sunshine Coast for a country change. Her art making made occasional appearances in her life, but her focus was on bringing up her children.

Two years ago she earned a Diploma of Visual Art, and part of these studies took her to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve on a drawing excursion. This proved to be a defining moment in her emerging artistic career. 

“I was just completely into it, and that's where it began. I just kept going back to Mary Cairncross, and that's where these black and white drawings came from. I did a whole body of work there.”

The drawings that have come out of this phase of her life often combine modern elements in conjunction with nature, which is an exploration of the encroachment of modernity upon remnant wild places. 

Over the last few years, after having had her works accepted into several art competitions, Sascha has been treating her art as a full-time job. She literally wakes up early in the morning, filled with enthusiasm to pick up where she left off yesterday on the piece she is currently working on. 

“It’s given me a whole new lease of life, a more meaningful experience, one that is deeply creative and rewarding. I am inspired by ancient places, memories of primordial landscapes, and pristine nature, as much as I am by human cities and culture. My work is a deeply personal intuitive expression of my life.”

As autumn leaves fell around us, I asked Sascha what comes next for her and her art. She smiled and calmly stated that she had no idea. And how could she, really? How can any of us know what lies ahead? However, of course she has plans and dreams.

“I'd love to have an exhibition. I'm just sort of organically meeting other artists, and that's what's good about doing the competitions, 'cause you all get together and have an opening night, and you get to talk and meet.”

It seems to me that her art is almost a byproduct of her way of being. She communes with nature in a way that is pure and deep, and when there is a pen in her hand, that connection is simply expressed through her art. 

“Love is probably the number one thing in all of this. So I’m trying to just find a pathway to express that. There's no real message other than I want to convey a feeling that somehow moves something inside of people that is loving.”

Sascha is a visual artist living and working in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Apart from the nature drawings, she also paints still life oil paintings which are available online at Stevens Street Gallery, Yandina, or direct through her. 

Her piece, A glimpse of the eternal, is a finalist in the Local Contemporary Art Prize 2026. It can be viewed at Caloundra Regional Gallery until May 17 and voted for either online or in person at the gallery.