Thea Skelsey is a multidisciplinary artist based in Coolangatta, known for her ability to distil complex ideas into bold, minimal forms. Her practice spans sculpture, design, and public art, drawing from a strong foundation in tactile making, intuitive decision-making, and a deep sensitivity to place.
Guided by a clear aesthetic vision, Thea’s work is shaped by her coastal surroundings, an ongoing fascination with colour theory, and a belief in the power of simplicity. Whether translating a mural concept from sketch to street, or creating site-responsive sculptural pieces, she maintains a commitment to clarity, balance, and material integrity.
With experience in international commissions and collaborative public works, Thea’s portfolio reflects a versatile and accessible approach. Most notably, she co-created The Gilded Path with Art_Public — a permanent pedestrian mural in Murwillumbah that transforms a stretch of asphalt into an immersive spatial and visual experience.
Her creative process is multidisciplinary by nature — painting, drawing, and design often overlap in her studio, feeding into projects that range from brand collaborations to large-scale installations. She is particularly drawn to collapsing layered concepts into elemental gestures: colour, shape, line.
Generate GC, 2025 cohort, City of Gold Coast initiative, Arts and Culture Unit
Murwillumbah Precinct, pedestrian mural, Art-Public, 2025
Water Walls, Mural Commission, City of Gold Coast, Nerang, 2023
Incubate*, Residency, Placemakers* Gold Coast, April 2023
Brewing Local Artists, Exhibition, Burleigh Brewery, 2022
Scoop! Festival, Commission, HOTA, 2021
Christmas Commission, HOTA, 2020
stART, Grant, Placemakers*, 2020
“From My Perspective”, HOTA Rage Against The V(irus) Grant, 2020
“House Party” for Bleach* Festival, Installation, Mint Art House, 2020
“Regenerate” Bushfire Fundraiser, Group Exhibition, Mint Art House, 2020
“ACID Test Vol. II”, Group Exhibition, Level One Seventeen, 2020
Commissions / Grants / Exhibitions
Burleigh Brewing Co / Merch, tap house mural, limited release beer bottle label
Salty Shadows x THEA / Beach umbrella design
Brand Collaboration
Interviews / Features
‘Deconstructing Art’ Mercedes Benz Gold Coast, Interview, 2023
We Are Gold Coast, Interview, 2022
Rhythm Clothing, In the Studio: Thea Skelsey, Interview/Collaboration, 2021
Pedestrian TV, Dream Chasers, Advertorial/Interview 2021
The Design Files, Feature with Shelley Banders
Blank Street Press, Article, Oct 2020
Finders Keepers Sydney 2019, Feature
Trader Trove, Interview
The Design Kids, Interview