My Story

Hello! I am an illustrator and printmaker from Sydney, Australia, and my journey into the art world has been a unique one. Starting with a background in mechanical engineering and later earning a PhD in biomedical engineering, I spent over a decade in academia. However, after the birth of my second daughter, I took a major turn, deciding to leave academia and fully pursue my passion for art.

Working from my home studio in Bronte, with one of Sydney’s most stunning beaches just outside, I’ve built my creative business, Negin Designs, into a thriving small business. Running a creative studio while balancing motherhood is challenging. Each day I navigate the roles of artist, business owner, and mother - discovering that, honestly, coffee breaks and time with my dog are sometimes the highlights.

Printmaking, my true artistic passion, has been with me since I was introduced to it in Year 7 by a high school art teacher. I’ve been an active member of the Warringah Printmakers Studio for 12 years and serve on the committee as the Social Media and Exhibitions Manager. This open-access studio prioritises non-toxic and safer printmaking methods, and as part of the committee, I’m driven to share the incredible craft of printmaking with a wider audience. For many, the process behind each hand-pulled print remains a mystery, but learning about the precision, skill, and patience required can transform how they see the art form. My mission is to foster a deeper appreciation for printmaking and its creative potential.

The heart of my work celebrates the beauty of Australia’s native flora and fauna. I have a particular affinity for native birds, which feature prominently in my prints and designs. My background as a scientist influences my approach to art; I bring a technical rigor and close attention to detail to my creations. A thorough understanding of my subject matter forms the backbone of each design, ensuring that my work not only captivates but also honours the natural world.

Exhibitions

Warringah Printmakers Studio Annual Exhibition 2024
13 - 24 November 2024
The Creative Space, 105 Abbott Rd, North Curl Curl NSW Australia

Hornsby Art Prize
Finalist
25 October - 10 November 2024
Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre, Hornsby NSW

Paper & Ink
31 August - 15 September 2024
Sydney Road Gallery, Balgowlah NSW

“Inking Up… Imagination”
25 - 28 July 2024
Warringah Printmakers In-Studio Exhibition. This exhibition was a part of the Northern Beaches Creative Open.
Manly Vale NSW

Pressgang - Printmaking Exhibition
Printmakers from Warringah Printmakers Studio
21 May - 31 May 2024
Mosman Rowers Art Gallery, Mosman NSW

Art@TheRowers Acquisitive Exhibition
Finalist
4 April - 19 April 2024
Mosman Rowers Art Gallery, Mosman NSW

Warringah Printmakers Studio Annual Exhibition 2023
15 - 26 November 2023
The Creative Space, 105 Abbott Rd, North Curl Curl NSW Australia

Hornsby Art Prize
Finalist
20 October - 5 November 2023
Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre, Hornsby NSW

“Printmaking in Action”
27 - 30 July 2023
Warringah Printmakers In-Studio Exhibition. This exhibition was a part of the Northern Beaches Creative Open.
Manly Vale NSW

“Interior”
Sat 13 - Sun 14 & Sat 20 - Sun 21 August 2022
Warringah Printmakers In-Studio Exhibition. This exhibition was a part of the Northern Beaches Creative Open.
Manly Vale NSW

“Printmaking”
Susan Baran + Students
28 June - 28 August 2022
Bather's’ Pavillion Gallery, 4 The Esplanade, Mosman NSW

Warringah Printmakers Studio Annual Exhibition 2022
16 - 26 June 2022
The Creative Space, 105 Abbott Rd, North Curl Curl NSW Australia

Shadow & Light
1 November - 29 November 2021
Warringah Printmakers Studio inaugural online and social media exhibition.

Natural Collection
17 October 2018 - 17 March 2019
An exhibition of prints from the pages of the collaborative artists' book, Natural Collection, featuring the work of twenty-nine Warringah Printmakers Studio artists. The images each show an artist's view of the endangered and vulnerable wildlife and habitats of the Northern Beaches area of Sydney, NSW.
Manly Art Gallery & Museum, West Esplanade Reserve, Manly NSW Australia

Warringah Printmakers Studio Annual Exhibition
31 October - 11 November 2018
The Creative Space, 105 Abbott Rd, North Curl Curl NSW Australia

Overwintering: Sydney
22-24 June 2018
Migratory shorebirds project.
Warringah Printmakers Studio Gallery, Manly Vale NSW

Warringah Printmakers Studio Annual Exhibition
15 - 26 November 2017
The Creative Space, 105 Abbott Rd, North Curl Curl NSW Australia

Natural Collection: Artist Book July - September 2017
Artist book featuring the work of 29 Warringah Printmakers Studio artists
Manly Art Gallery & Museum, West Esplanade Reserve, Manly NSW Australia

"Metropolis" June 15 - June 26 2016
Warringah Printmakers Group Exhibition
Art Space on The Concourse, 409 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood NSW Australia

Warringah Printmakers Studio Annual Exhibition
26th November - 6th December 2015
The Creative Space, 105 Abbott Rd, North Curl Curl NSW Australia