Drawn from Life unites the figurative works of Nic Plowman and Sam Eyles, offering an exploration of the human form through expressive and expanded drawing practices.

Through their unique approaches, the artists delve into themes of identity, connection, and transformation, capturing the emotional, physical, and spiritual essence of the figure. This two-person exhibition reveals the raw beauty and vulnerability of figure drawing, celebrating the shared and individual perspectives of two accomplished artists in dialogue.

The artists

Sam Eyles

Sam Eyles is a Meanjin (Brisbane)-based artist working primarily in painting and drawing. His drawing practice is rooted in the immediacy and energy of life drawing, using gestural blind contour techniques to capture the essence of the human form. Layering multiple poses on a single surface, Eyles intuitively employs charcoal, water-soluble pastel, pencil, erasers, and chalk pastel to create dynamic compositions of abstract lines and textures. Both meditative and instinctual, his process transforms drawing into an act of presence, where chaos evolves into calm. Through layered marks and movement, Eyles crafts reflective spaces—moments of stillness within the storm—that invite viewers to pause, connect, and engage on a transcendent level, evoking a sense of interconnectedness and interdependency. His work harmonises form and abstraction, offering a sense of peace and contemplation.

Nic Plowman

Nic Plowman’s work is rich with insight, capturing time, memory, and lived experience with both intimacy and visceral energy. Renowned for both traditional and experimental drawing, his practice also spans painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Born with congenital heart disease into a strong matriarchal family, Nic’s challenging experiences—including multiple open-heart surgeries, a six-meter fall, and a recent cancer battle—inspire his empathetic approach to themes of fear, triumph, and vulnerability. Nic has received numerous accolades including finalist positions in the Dobell Drawing Prize (2023) and The Kedumba Drawing Award (2023).