In the tranquil embrace of Airlie Beach, where the whispers of the Whitsundays dance on the breeze, Kester Howard, embarked on a journey that intertwined her love for the waters with a passion for art. Born into a family adorned with creative souls—musicians, artists, and woodcarvers— she found solace and inspiration in sketching from a tender age, guided by the artistic legacy passed down through generations.
Under her father’s discerning gaze, her artistic endeavours blossomed, nurtured by private art lessons that commenced when she was merely seven years old. From the delicate strokes of charcoal to the vibrant hues of Sennelier pastels, Kester’s journey unfolded. At age 10, she fell in love with a palette knife and oil painting on canvas, and her father had ideas of her becoming an art teacher. However, fate had other plans in store.
As the tides of destiny would have it, her father, a pioneer and a man of many firsts , owned and operated a successful venture in Airlie Beach for over a quarter of a century. He was the first entrepreneur to introduce diving and snorkeling tours in the area, igniting a passion for the ocean within his daughter from a young age. Among his fleet, the iconic vessels “Whitsunday Diver” and “Reef Jet” stood as beacons of adventure, ferrying eager explorers to Bait Reef ,picking up tourists from Hayman and Hamilton Island to show them the wonders beneath the waves.
It was on those very waters that she found inspiration for one of my most cherished watercolour pieces — Salty Kiss Salty Kiss painted on Gallery Quality Watercolour paper A2-sized paper, captures the essence of a quintessential day at sea. In this vibrant scene, a yacht is gracefully anchored on the azure waters, adorned with a man fishing with a hand line at the bow . Another figure, equipped with flippers and snorkel, sits poised at the back, ready to plunge into the depths below. An oversized bird, perched atop an esky, gazes intently into the water, perhaps contemplating its own aquatic adventure. And amidst it all, a school of fish, trailed by a shark the choreography of the ocean.
As the years unfolded, Kester’s journey led her to Sarina, a coastal haven where the allure of the sea beckoned in every ripple. Here, amidst a community where boat licenses outnumbered residents, her business Extreme Marine flourished under her stewardship, evolving into a formidable force within the industry. Engines, boats, every piece of chandlery, bait, fishing gear you could wish for —not the easiest business to stocktake. Her children were raised in the marine business. Saturday lunchtime would come and the boat was hooked up and ready to go out on the water.
Yet, amidst the ebb and flow of business, her passion for art remained steadfast. With brush in hand, she painted not just canvases but narratives of resilience and compassion. From the tranquil waters of Mackay Marina to the vibrant gallery in Brisbane, Kester’s creations echoed the symphony of her soul, inviting all who beheld them to embark on a journey of discovery.
But beyond the strokes of her brush lay a deeper purpose—a commitment to raise awareness for Willis- Ekbom Disease, a cause close to her heart. Through tireless advocacy and the profits from her ventures, she endeavoured to shed light on this affliction, offering hope to those grappling with its shadows. More children suffer from this degenerative disease than epilepsy, in all, 12 percent of the population.
For Kester, the canvas of life stretches far beyond the boundaries of a studio—it is an ever-unfolding tapestry, woven with the threads of passion, perseverance, and boundless creativity. And as she continues to navigate its depths, one thing remains certain—the sea, with all its mysteries and majesty, will forever be her muse.
Published in print August-December 2024
