Uma Barry is a self-taught artist whose creative journey began at the age of fifteen, lovingly nurtured and inspired by her artistic parents. Growing up in Fiji during the 1970s, Uma faced significant challenges in accessing traditional oil paints and quality art materials. Undeterred, she found an innovative path forward through her parents’ inventive encouragement to experiment with house paints on Masonite boards. With only bold, limited colours at her disposal, she quickly mastered the art of colour mixing and began crafting her first figurative works, many inspired by Indian mythology. These humble beginnings would ignite a lifelong devotion to her craft.

In 1983, Uma’s life changed profoundly when she moved to Australia. Surrounded by new opportunities and supported wholeheartedly by her dear husband, she found the freedom to pursue her artistic dreams—a time she describes as an absolute miracle.

Uma’s work explores a wide variety of subjects, yet a constant thread runs through her paintings: a profound fascination with light. She is captivated by its intensity, its subtle shifts throughout the day, and its power to transform colour, mood, and atmosphere. Her botanical studies, like her detailed portrayal of water lilies, reveal a poetic sensitivity to the delicate beauty of flowers and the gentle play of reflections. In contrast, her gum tree studies celebrate the raw textures, twisting forms, and sculptural elegance of the Australian landscape, capturing both the strength and rhythm of these ancient trees.

Travel plays an essential role in her artistic life. She often ventures out to paint and sketch en plein air, with a particular love for the historic Shipwreck Coast, where the tranquil sunrises and dramatic sunsets offer her a deep sense of peace. Her body of work ranges from delicate miniatures to expansive landscapes. Uma holds a special fondness for painting miniatures, which have sharpened her compositional skills and taught her the art of distilling vast scenes into intimate spaces—a creative challenge she continues to relish.

Over the years, Uma’s dedication and talent have been recognised through numerous awards, and her artworks have found homes in private and public collections worldwide. A significant milestone in her career came in 2015, when she was featured on the acclaimed TV program Colour In Your Life, hosted by the late Graeme Stevenson, a celebrated artist and the visionary founder of the show.

For Uma, painting is more than a profession—it is a sanctuary. Following the loss of her beloved mother, art became her greatest source of healing and joy. Through every brushstroke, she honours her family, carries their love forward, and remains profoundly grateful for the gift of creating.