Meet the Artists Behind Whispers of the Forest

 Every journey begins with a story—and ours begins here.

We are Alvina Bishop-Edwards and Valerie Hibberd, two Gippsland artists brought together by a shared love of creativity and the natural world.

Alvina has been creating art for more than forty years, inspiring others through both her own artistic practice and many years of teaching. Her work explores the spiritual connection between people and trees, celebrating their beauty, resilience, and the need to protect the natural world for future generations.

Valerie came to art later in life after a varied career, discovering painting as a powerful way to explore mythology, folklore, memory, and storytelling. Her work reimagines ancient legends through symbolic forests, inviting viewers to rediscover the wisdom and wonder held within nature.

Although their artistic journeys have been very different, they share a deep appreciation for the landscapes of Gippsland and a belief that art has the power to connect people—with each other, with the environment, and with the stories that shape who we are.

Over the coming weeks, we'll take you behind the scenes of Whispers of the Forest: A Journey Through Spirit and Time, sharing our inspiration, our creative process, and the stories behind the paintings.

We hope you'll join us on the journey.

 Every forest holds a story. Every story leaves roots.