More than 200 artworks were submitted for this year’s exhibition, with just 106 selected for display at Gallery Central, North Metropolitan TAFE.
Phoebe created her piece 'Roadtrip' as part of her Year 11 General Art studies through the School of Isolated and Distance Education (SIDE), which she completes online while at The Studio School.
Art is also something Phoebe continues to explore during Projects time at TSS, where students have dedicated time to pursue their own interests and ideas. Alongside painting, Phoebe has been experimenting with prop design and other creative projects.
For Phoebe, studying art has given her the opportunity to spend more time doing something she has always enjoyed.
“It got me back into painting and gives you an excuse to make art,” Phoebe said. “Usually it’s a hobby, but now it’s also something that counts towards my WACE.”
Studying through SIDE has also introduced Phoebe to other young artists from across the state, including students living outside Perth.
Phoebe moved to WA from Sydney at the end of last year, making the journey with her family across the country by car. While it was a long drive, travelling through Australia’s vast and isolated landscapes gave her a new appreciation for the country and its unique flora and fauna.
“You could stare out and just see plants for miles,” she said. "This inspired my art piece."
Phoebe attended the opening night of the Young Originals exhibition, where she had the chance to see the other selected works and hear from speakers.
“It was really lovely and very inspiring,” she said. “There are so many other really talented artists.”
Seeing so much original work by other young artists also left Phoebe feeling positive about the future of art and creativity.
“With the rise of AI, seeing all the amazing artwork gave me hope for the future of creatives,” she said.
Phoebe’s artwork is on display at Gallery Central, North Metropolitan TAFE, as part of Young Originals 2026 until 25 August.
You can also vote for Phoebe's piece 'Roadtrip' on the Young Originals website: People’s Choice Voting for Young Originals 2026 – Young Originals 2026
