Lyn
Laurent Pouzet
- Sitter: Lyn Smith-Cottrell
- Medium: Charcoal on Cotton Paper
- Dimensions: 45cm x 57cm
- Representation: This artist represents themselves
About the artwork
This portrait is a homage to the decency and kindness of a colleague and mentor. Lyn Smith-Cottrell is a teacher at Northside Christian College, and she taught Laurent when he was a student. Both now work side by side, inspiring generations of young people with art.
“She has been teaching in Brisbane’s for almost 30 years. She inspired and encouraged me to pursue visual art – and now I am privileged to be her colleague.
“For almost 20 years, Lyn has volunteered her Friday nights in Fortitude Valley through the Valley Outreach charity, humbly and selflessly serving food to our city’s homeless and less fortunate. I purposely chose this pose of Lyn, smiling beautifully toward the shadow. Despite facing many hardships, including the loss of her beloved husband Bruce, she has persevered with grace, humility, kindness, selflessness, and with a smile. This work is a celebration of a silent hero, who I am blessed to call a friend.”
Lyn Smith-Cottrell is depicted with an infectious smile. The artist has painstakingly captured the details of her facial features and expression, illustrating great care in this homage to his friend.
About the artist
Laurent Pouzet is a senior visual art teacher at Brisbane’s Northside Christian College. In January this year, spurred on by his wife, Laurent held his first solo exhibition, which explored the symbolic significance of objects. He is passionate about art as a means to question, celebrate and contemplate the world.
