“Judith was very strict but the basics she taught me about perspective and technique were invaluable – and not taught much anymore,” Rhiannon told the Guardian.

Her talent however was undeniable and from Macksville High she got early entry into Southern Cross University for a Bachelor of Visual Arts.

Unusually for an undergraduate, her work was submitted by the university to be included in the prestigious HATCHED: National Graduate Show 2016, hosted by the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA).

“Five students are nominated from all universities around the country – there are two parts to the application process and I really thought I didn’t stand a chance.

“When I got the news I’d been selected, I couldn’t believe it.”

The selection saw Rhiannon’s work shipped to Perth, followed by herself for the opening in mid May.

“It was a fantastic experience – and so interesting seeing the work of all the other artists, most of whom were women.

“And meeting them was great – we bounced lots of big ideas off each other, ideas like national initiatives to get more art into communities, how to connect with communities.

“Art is so important in creating community awareness and connection – people can get involved and that adds a richness that is organic and has nothing to do with acting posh at gallery openings.”

Rhiannon said she was looking forward to continuing her studies and dreamt of one day running a gallery and curating shows of her own.”

Her work, The Fine Line between Portraiture and Prosopagnosia, reflects on how “we are obsessed with our faces … especially in this selfie generation. It is an exploration of how our brains make sense of the shapes of faces, which involves both sides of the frontal cortex.”

She explores this using the media of drawing, sculpture and light.

*Prosopagnosia – is the inability to recognise faces.