Growing up in a small town in the Netherlands, Kim Wallace has always had a strong passion for art and craft, and loved drawing, painting or making things. “My parents always encouraged creativity and I have completed many courses and art classes over the years, such as ceramics, drawing, painting (life drawing, abstract and still life), as well as completing a short course at a well-known art academy in the Netherlands.”

Moving to Australia in 2000, Kim settled in sunny Brisbane on Australia’s east coast. With over 7 years experience in the graphic design industry behind her, Kim combines her design knowledge with her passion for art, creating a diverse range of artworks such as ceramics, original paintings and limited edition prints.

“I have completely fallen in love with this amazing country, its people, the spectacular flora and fauna and also the incredible art it has to offer. The vibrant colours and extraordinary shapes and patterns of Australian native plants are currently a big inspiration to me, I love incorporating them into paintings, ceramics or drawings in either quite an abstract manner or more true to life.”

Kim also draws inspiration from everyday objects and patterns, such as vintage lace doilies, crystal bowls & vases, and antique tins & packaging. “I challenge myself to modernise items that are often perceived as 'daggy' or 'old-fashioned' and revamp them into contemporary, eye-catching must-haves.”

In 2008 Kim decided to leave her full-time job as a senior graphic designer and start the Udessi online gallery, pursuing her passion for contemporary Australian art. “I found it quite difficult to find gifts with a unique Australian feel to bring back home with me when I visited my family and friends. A lot of the artwork or homewares are either imported, mass-produced or simply not affordable. Since I started the online gallery I have found so many talented and gifted artists, and my aim is to show everyone, everywhere what amazing art Australia has to offer.”