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Partnered with Sarah Britles Art + Advicve , this carved and painted portrait on woodblock was a labor of love and self-discovery.
Over the past nine months, I have been quietly working away on this portrait commissioned by John Feitelson—an avid art collector, dedicated supporter of the Australian arts community, and former co-owner of Artist Profile magazine and Art Almanac.
When Sarah Birtles, presented this portrait commission to me last year, I embraced the opportunity with both excitement and a touch of apprehension. Having completed only one portrait before, I knew I would need to employ all my skills and learn new techniques along the way.
After months of planning, three sittings, twelve studies, and countless revisions, I finally found the courage to begin the work on the board earlier this year.
Standing 100cm tall and 120cm wide, I hope this painting successfully captures the essence and stories of my subject. I am incredibly proud of this piece and deeply grateful for the chance to create something new. It has been quite a journey to reach this point.
Find out more about the painting with this Q&A blog by Sarah Britles Art + Advice.
Q&A with Sarah Britles Art + Advice
Kean Onn See, John Feitelson 2025, Acrylic on carved woodblock, 100 x 120cm
Originating from India, Jñāna (Sanskrit: ज्ञान) is a term that signifies 'knowledge' or 'wisdom.'
These two carved woodblocks below symbolize humanity's quest for enlightenment through both intellectual and spiritual paths. Created two years apart, they were brought together in 2025 under the series 'Jñāna' to form a unified narrative.
In 2023, Kean Onn See delved into humanity's pursuit of understanding the physical reality by merging the fierce deity Mahākāla with the astrophysical phenomena of black holes in the first woodblock, 'Black Hole: Ruthless Preceptor of Space and Time.'
In 2025, Kean Onn See further developed this theme in the second woodblock, 'Guan Yin: Revered Perceiver of Sounds.' By integrating the qualities of the revered deity Guanyin, known for perceiving sounds, with the science of cymatics, which visualizes sound, this piece illustrates how sound and compassion can guide our spiritual journey into the cognitive realm.
Like a pair of eyes, they tell the story of humanity's exploration of the external world, striving to comprehend physical reality, while also turning inward to the cognitive realm, listening with compassion as we ponder the essence of life.
By weaving together scientific insights and spiritual wisdom, the series captures our innate desire to connect with and comprehend the universe, both within ourselves and in the cosmos, as we search for the true meaning of life.
Explore the various stages of Kean Onn See's creative process with the making of this carved and painted woodblock of 'Margaret Ackland'.
the Making of 'Margaret Ackland' Archibald Prize 2024 Finalists
