In 2012 Zoe Olivia Young’s art studio in Crackenback blew away and so she went to the hairdresser in Jindabyne, Abish Bright, for a radical colour change and came away with a new subject, albeit it would be two years before subject and artist would get together.

Ms Bright is the younger sister of Australian pro snowboarder, Torah Bright.

“We were talking about the Olympics, training and art and I said I should paint Torah for the Archibald Prize because she’s someone relatable,” Ms Young said.

While the opportunity to paint one of Australia’s most successful winter Olympians was exciting enough, Ms Young has been revealed as one of 54 finalists from 884 entrants in the 2014 Archibald Prize for the portrait ‘Torah Bright’.

“It was as exciting that Torah wanted me to do the portrait as finding out I was a finalist,” Ms Young said.

“I grew up ski racing with Torah’s sister and I’m interested in her because she’s a unique paradox,” Ms Young said.

“She’s a snowboarder who risks her life by pushing the boundaries of tricks in an industry renowned for peer pressure and went off at a young age in the industry, succeeded and kept her integrity.”

During the sitting process, Ms Young found the similarities between professional sport and professional art to be quite similar.

“Drawing is at the centre of my art,” she said.

“It’s like a muscle, you have to keep your hand and eye co-ordination fit. There are tips and tricks to make it easier, but you know when you’re hitting it and when you’re not.

“Absolute love has to be there, which is where I connected with Torah. It gives you the ability to do the elements that aren’t so fun.”

Originally, Ms Young wanted to paint a portrait full of life and movement, but in the end she said she wanted to do something that was real.

“Torah was in between trips overseas and was having a moment of reflection,” she said.

“I thought it was more interesting and true to life than creating a work that was almost another advert for snowboarding.

“I was more interested in her as an individual than what she does.”

The 2014 Archibald Prize winner will be announced next Friday following an artists’ lunch on the Thursday. 

You can view more of Ms Young's work here.