Rogues Gallery is the initiative of Sunshine Coast multi-media artist, Ali Atkinson. Me.

Like many people I have juggled work, family and caring responsibilities for many years. After giving everything I had to work and family during Covid, the universe screamed at me to change my life. In 2023, I took some “me” time and studied art at Queensland TAFE, Nambour campus. It was a challenging year of growth that set me on an entirely new trajectory.

In 2023 I rediscovered my love of art, drawing, printmaking, colour and design. Suffering burn out, I took a year off, stepping away from my business as a marketing and communications consultant to complete a Diploma in Visual Art at TAFE Queensland, Nambour. It was a life changing experience. I was challenged to learn new things and learn to let go. I remembered who I was after many years of feeling disconnected. I also absolutely fell in love with clay! I was awarded the TAFE General Managers 3D acquisitive prize for ceramics in my 2023 graduating diploma class.

  • Commercial mindset

    With a marketing background, I balance creativity with a commercial mindset. While selling art allows me to share my work, my true goal is to create and inspire.

  • Versatile Mixed Media

    I work across painting, drawing, textiles, printing, ceramics, and design, letting inspiration dictate the medium. My focus is on mark-making, patterns, and bold colours to create art that feels both contemporary and timeless.

  • Inspired by nature

    Nature’s unpredictability shapes my work, exploring themes of resilience and renewal. Studying flora and fauna, I highlight the impact of extreme weather and the urgency for change through my art.

I’m a Rogue at heart...

Artists are so often told that we must clearly define who we are as an artist if we want to be successful.

For me, the idea that any artist should be limited in their choice of media to express creative ideas has never sat well. I don't recall Picasso ever being told to stick to painting! So I figure it's up to me to decide who I am as an artist.

I am intuitive, emotionally driven and dedicated to my art practice and am finally forming the view that, there are no “rules” in art.

I work in mixed media, in ceramics, ink pen, acrylics, textiles and print. I write, I cook, I create paintings, drawings, lino prints, monoprints, sculptures, jewellery, gifts, soft furnishing, clothing. I am living my best life and embracing this creative life to the full!

Rogues Story

"I create work that means something to me and cross my fingers that some people will enjoy seeing the world through my eyes and do me the honour of making space for my art in their homes and lives."

More about me

What I'm qualified in

I have a Diploma of Visual Art, a Bachelors degree majoring in business sustainability, marketing and communications, as well as a Certificate IV in Training and Education. I’m a keen property renovator and enjoy creating styled spaces. I’m a part time writer and have been known to dabble in the performing arts, photography, and film.

Completing my Diploma

Interestingly, completing the Diploma of Visual Art felt harder than my university degree but it was an accomplishment given the challenges I faced during that year. When I graduated, I left the world of marketing and gifted myself an artist’s life.

My challenges in 2024

Then 2024 presented even greater challenges on the home front. My husband fell ill and so his care become my highest priority. Thankfully he fought and won the cancer battle. Through this time though art was a constant source of personal strength and self-care. I would really like to help people to understand the power of art to heal and sooth. Even if not creating the art yourself, featuring art you love in your home will bring you joy.