Emily Crockford The pattern in the mountains of Studio A, best friends Emma and Gabrielle

Gabrielle Mordy is the CEO and artistic director of Studio A in Sydney, which provides professional development for artists with disability. Emma Johnston is Studio A’s principal artist.

‘I first met Emma many years ago. I met Gab a few years later. They are best friends and get on so well,’ says Emily Crockford, who is supported by Studio A.

‘Emma and Gab posed for me. They crossed their legs and I asked them to link their fingers and rest their hands in their laps. It looks so spunky and beautiful, colourful and bright – just like Emma and Gab!

‘They both wore colourful clothing for me as they know how much I love painting colour and patterns. I love the sunset mountains with patterns. It’s like Gab and Emma are flying in the sunset.’

Crockford was a finalist in the 2020 Archibald with a self-portrait in which she painted herself with her late father John.