Rhythms of the Heart
Emily Hastie
- Sitter: Tran Quang Long Bradley
- Medium: Pyrography and Acrylic (Mixed)
- Dimensions: 33cm x 97cm
- Representation: Mint Art House
About the artwork
Tran Quang Long Bradley is a Vietnamese-Australian church elder who arrived in Australia in 1974 for urgent eye surgery through World Vision. As conflict overtook his homeland, his family pleaded for him to stay and he was subsequently raised by adoptive parents in Brisbane. For over 25 years, Long has supported young people as a school chaplain and through drumming circles that promote connection and healing.
For this portrait, the artist shows Long holding a djembe, central to his community work.
“Mr Long always struck me with his pure heartedness, humility and calming aura… I hope everyone can sense his gentle spirit and feel it in my depiction of his gaze.”
This striking portrait was created using pyrography, a technique involving the controlled burning of organic material. The chosen canvas is camphor laurel, an Asian timber that, while non-native to Australia, thrives in its landscape – a poetic parallel to Bradley’s own journey.
About the artist
Emily Rose Hastie is a multidisciplinary artist working predominantly with the medium of pyrography (wood burning), acrylics and reductive carving techniques. She holds a Bachelor of Arts/Education from the University of Queensland and creates from her studio in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast. She is the co-founder and co-director of Mint Art House and has been a finalist in multiple art prizes.
