Images(2)

Sand Babies and Mermaids

Artist Pixie O'Harris (Australian, 1901 - 1991)

Date1960s

Object number00008373

NamePainting

MediumWatercolour on paper

DimensionsSheet: 250 × 365 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionA watercolour by Pixie O'Harris depicting children and mermaids at the beach titled 'Sand Babies & Mermaids." The image depicts three children sitting and playing on the sand in the foreground with two mermaids and one merboy sitting on rocks in the water. The painting is signed 'Pixie O'Harris'.HistoryRhona Olive Harris became known as 'Pixie' whilst on her way to immigrate to Australia in 1921. After her arrival in Sydney she enrolled at the Julian Ashton Art School as she had already shown talent and small exhibitions in Wales as a teenager. Pixie later started her own commercial work as her illustrations appeared in magazines such as The Sydney Mail and The Bulletin. She found a talent and affiliation with children’s stories - particularly fantasy illustrations of fairies and mermaids. She began to write and illustrate her own stories which were published to wide acclaim. In addition to books, Pixie's work also became cards and stationary. After having three children, Pixie became involved in cheering up children’s hospital wards and orphanages by painting wall murals, with over 50 completed in her lifetime. SignificanceAustralian artist Pixie O'Harris was noted for her preoccupation with magical and romantic subject matter, in particular fairies but also sea and bush creatures. She became most famous for the children's stories which she both wrote and illustrated.