Jean Ballands
Abstract Food Art | Commissions | Dachshund Therapy | Mentoring HSC Students
Abstract Food Art | Commissions | Dachshund Therapy | Mentoring HSC Students
Experience & Passion
Jean Ballands is a Port Macquarie based artist on the North Coast, working as both a painter and printmaker. She holds an Advanced Diploma in Visual Art from TAFE and a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Curtin University in Perth.
Jean works primarily with acrylics, exploring their fluid and expressive qualities to capture the rhythms, patterns, and light found in the natural world. Her creative process begins with close observation and evolves through layers of paint that reflect the essence of everyday experiences.
Her work often weaves in personal motifs and memories — from time spent gardening and cooking to the joyful companionship of her four dachshunds.
Abstract Food Art
Jean’s love of cooking inspires a unique strand of her creative practice — Abstract Food Art. In these works, she translates the flavours, textures, and aromas of everyday ingredients into vibrant colours and expressive forms.
Drawing on her background as a food technology teacher, Jean combines her deep understanding of ingredients and cooking techniques with her painter’s eye.
Each individual piece explores the sensory experience of food — the taste, aroma, and mouthfeel — reimagined as abstract compositions that celebrate the beauty of what we eat.
Jean’s Abstract Food Art is available to purchase online.
Commission Portraits
A portrait of a beloved friend or family member, whether human or animal makes a truly special and lasting gift. My goal is to capture the unique personality and spirit of each subject, creating a work that goes beyond simple likeness to evoke real emotion and memory.
When painting dogs, I focus on their expressive eyes, attentive ears, and gentle mouth—features that reveal their character and connection to their owner. Each hound’s distinctive colouring is brought to life against a clean white background, allowing their individuality to shine through.
I love hearing each dog’s story—their quirks, habits, and the love they share with their family. These stories accompany me as I paint, shaping the portrait and deepening the emotional connection that flows into every brushstroke.
The result is a timeless piece that celebrates the bond between you and your cherished companion.
Therapy Reading Program with the Dachshunds
The Dachshund Therapy Reading Program offers children a fun and calming way to build confidence in reading through interaction with gentle, well-trained dachshunds and their owners.
Led by Jean Ballands, a qualified teacher with 28 years of classroom experience, this unique program supports students with reading challenges or provides a rewarding alternative learning activity. Each week, children enjoy the comfort and motivation that comes from reading alongside a dachshund.
Sessions run for approximately 50 minutes and include a mix of reading, art-making, and simple dog training activities. Every session is carefully tailored to suit each student’s age and ability level.
All dachshunds remain on their leads, accompanied by their owners at all times. A class of up to eight students and eight dachshunds works best for optimal engagement and safety. All participating adults hold Working with Children clearances, and permission slips are recommended and available upon request.
A Risk Assessment for school incursions can also be provided. Click here to view or download.
Cost: $150 per lesson.
