Mabel Crosby
Carla Benzie
- Sitter: Mabel Crosby
- Medium: Watercolour and pencil
- Dimensions: 95 x 115 cm
- Representation: The artist represents themselves
About the artist
This is the portrait of Alec Knight, the first Australian male in the New York City Ballet. Alec grew up in Brisbane, and by seven he and his family realised that football was not for him. He was hyper-focused on his dance. At the age of 17, he moved to New York by himself and was selected for the New York City Ballet. For the last six years, Alec has learned the ropes. Now he is stretching his wings in the scene, dancing in principle roles and teaching choreography. Inwood says: “He is a brilliant dancer with devilish looks and a presence as a performer. Outside of the ballet world, he has caught the eye of the fashion industry, gracing the catwalks in Milan for Dolce & Gabbana and modelling for Elle Mcpherson. Despite his looks and all of his achievements what you really stay for is the personality.”
About the sitter
Mabel Crosby has lived a rich and varied life. Born in the UK in 1909, she has the distinction of being Queensland’s oldest person, having turned 110 in September this year. Mabel moved to Australia with her parents when she was three, and moved to Brisbane in 1984 to be closer to family. Mabel is much loved by her adoring, and ever growing family, comprising her three daughters, now in their late 70’s early 80s, and her 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.
