Having lived in five countries and visited over fifty, Val Ross’ paintings form a vibrant visual diary of a life marked by travel and curiosity. But her story reaches beyond the landscapes she captures, embracing community activism, education, and a philosophy of interconnectedness. Now enjoying the tranquillity of her art studio and forested garden, this self-described “ancient warrior” reflects on moments of synchronicity that have enriched the canvas of her remarkable life.
Please share a story or two from your global adventures
On a near-disaster in Paraburdoo:
I was living in Paraburdoo, a remote mining town in WA. On impulse, with my two small children, I drove about 15kms out of town to paint. Temps were in the high 30s. I didn’t tell anyone where I was going—a bad error in the Pilbara. The car got bogged in a dry creek bed, fortunately beside a small spring. My husband had flown to the coast for the day, so he came home at 5pm to find his family gone without a trace! As it got dark, I heard an engine. I ran toward the sound, and like a miracle, a Land Rover appeared. Two Indigenous women were driving cross-country to camp by the spring. They pulled me out. I arrived back in town 30 minutes later, just in time to stop the search party. Lesson learned.
On a magical night in Barga, Italy:
I organised a painting trip to Barga, a village in the Apennine Alps. This area was the Gothic Line, the last German defence in WWII. While painting in the nearby village of Monticello—where a battalion of Americans lost many men—we met a group of veteran Americans who had survived that vicious battle. That night, they were honoured guests at a concert at the 18th-century Barga Opera House. They invited us to sit in the front row. Imagine 300 people riotously singing, clapping, and stamping along to choruses like Funiculì, Funiculà. It was incredible.
Your philosophy speaks of “the interconnectedness of all things.” How does this shape your life?
I believe in synchronicity, not coincidence. When you open yourself to the environment and the people around you, the energy of the universe flows. It is incredible how unrelated events occur, and later we see connections. I believe we must think globally but act locally.
Tell me about your work with The Australian Conservation Foundation
The ACF is a vital lobby group. My main interest was involving the urban. With three other people, I founded the SOS (Save Our Suburbs) organisation, which successfully changed planning laws across Melbourne in the 90s to ensure development was environmentally appropriate.
What advice do you have for emerging artists?
The power of the internet means artists can either pay for art sales sites or master the net and spend time managing their own site.
Are you still taking commissions, and where can we find your work today?
I’m basically an ancient warrior now, enjoying the peace. I no longer have a website, but if you search, there is still some info. I have no desire to exhibit, but I do occasionally have a semi-private studio sale in aid of special causes.
View more of Val’s art at ozartfinder.com/artists/valarie-ross/
