Kerry-Anne Knibbs is a Blue Mountains-based artist and educator whose multidisciplinary background spans fine arts, graphic design, photography, counselling, and art therapy. With a Bachelor of Teaching and additional training in Eastern wisdom traditions—including Tai Chi, Qigong, Reiki, and Feng Shui—her creative practice bridges technical skill, spiritual symbolism, and intention. Faulconbridge, Blue Mountains NSW, Australia.

Kerry-Anne is a Blue Mountains-based artist whose practice centres on abstract and semi-abstract acrylic painting. Drawing from nature, eastern philosophy, and lived experience, her work explores themes of resilience, intuition, and transformation—often symbolised through native Australian birds. Her art is known for its expressive forms, layered symbolism, and energetic presence.

Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Kerry-Anne works at a thoughtful pace from her home studio. Her condition brings a unique sensitivity to balance, movement, and emotional resonance, which informs both her process and the peaceful presence of her finished works.

A Featured Artist with Art Lovers Australia (ALA), Kerry-Anne’s work has been showcased in major national exhibitions, including Wild Things,,, and current exhibition Force of Nature. Kerry-Anne has featured in the ALA’s homepage banner and shareholder campaign. Her art has also been exhibited locally at Blue Mountains Portraits, Blue Fringe Festival, and in a 2024 solo exhibition at Gang Gang Gallery.

Kerry-Anne is also a dedicated arts educator, running private classes and mentoring artists of all ages and abilities through her own teaching studio. With a background in education and community development, she champions art as a tool for inclusion, empowerment, and self-expression.

After early studies in Fine Arts, she was selected for Sydney’s prestigious Commercial Arts College in the 1990s. Her strengths in spatial harmony and intuitive composition are backed by formal testing that placed her visual-spatial reasoning in the very superior range. Kerry-Anne continues to advocate for accessibility in the arts through her work with Accessible Arts Australia.

Education

• Diploma in Fine Arts, Hornsby Technical College
• Diploma in Graphic Design and Professional Illustration, Randwick Selective Technical College
• Professional Photography, Randwick Selective Technical College
• Diploma in Community Services, Nepean Technical College
• Bachelor of Teaching, Charles Sturt University
• Counselling Studies, Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP)
• Diploma in Art Therapy, Centre of Excellence
• Certificates in Eastern Wisdom Traditions – Tai Chi, Qigong, Usui Reiki, Usui Reiki Meditation, Feng Shui 

Exhibitions and Awards

• Exhibiting artist at regional art shows, Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains (1990–present)
• Curator, Arti-fact Exhibition, Blue Mountains
• 2nd Place – 2024 Connect and Collaborate Art Prize
• Finalist – 2024 Blue Mountains Portraits Cultural Centre Exhibition
• Solo Exhibition – 2024 Gang Gang Gallery, Lithgow
• Finalist – 2024 Blue Fringe Festival, Blue Mountains
• Finalist – 2024 Art Lovers Salon Exhibition, Melbourne
• Finalist – 2025 Wild Things Exhibition, Art Lovers Australia, Melbourne
• Finalist – 2025 Love Story, Art Lovers Australia, Melbourne

(I find ALA accessible for me as an artist with a Disability. I encourage other organisations to be accessible too) 

Work History

Independent Artist & Arts Educator | 2018–Present Over the past seven years, Kerry-Anne has focused on developing her personal art practice while providing private art classes through Ebb & Flow Studio, a creative hub she founded. Her classes took priority but her own work has slowly evolved from exhibiting with Bluethumb (an open marketplace platform) to becoming a represented artist with Art Lovers Australia, a highly selective gallery. 

Featured Artist – Art Lovers Australia | 2024–PresentSelected as one of only 1000 artists represented nationally by Art Lovers Australia. Kerry-Anne’s artworks have featured in major curated exhibitions with ALA, including Wild Things, and have been showcased on the gallery’s homepage. Her work was also included in ALA’s national shareholder marketing campaign, promoting investment in the gallery.

Various Roles in Early Childhood, Secondary Education & Community ServicesPrior to her full-time focus on the arts, Kerry-Anne worked extensively across education and community sectors. She held roles as both a Teacher and Director, integrating her artistic skills into therapeutic and creative learning settings. With dual qualifications in education and community services, she specialised in supporting vulnerable families, individuals with disabilities, and early intervention programs. 

Cognitive Strength – Visual-Spatial ReasoningAfter studying Fine Arts, Kerry-Anne was accepted into one of Sydney’s most competitive commercial art colleges in Randwick during the 1990s. She credits her selection to a combination of sheer determination and strong visual-spatial skills. Later, she was formally assessed in the Very Superior range for visual-spatial reasoning during university testing—a cognitive strength reflected in her semi-abstract compositions, spatial harmony, and intuitive visual storytelling. Kerry-Anne also works with Accessible Arts Australia,  for accessibility opportunities.

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Collections

• Kerry-Anne – @artloversaustralia 

Current Gallery Representation / Agents

• Art Lovers Australia (selective online gallery)
• Ebony and Ivy Boutique, Glenbrook
• Foothills Eco Artisan Store, Glenbrook
• Blue Mountains Painting, Faulconbridge 

Professional Memberships & Accreditation

• NAVA (National Association for the Visual Arts)
• ETA (Energy Therapies Australia)
• Creative Kids Provider (NSW Government)
• AON Insurance
• Accessible Arts

Heads Up

Just a quick heads-up: I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a genetic condition that affects the connective tissue in my body—like joints, skin, and internal organs—so they don’t function as they should. It can come with some challenges, but I’ve learned to manage it the best I can. I just wanted you to be aware in case I’m not feeling well, need to rest, have to step back from participating, cannot carry weighted things, can’t offer handshakes or hugs or if I am late or just can't make it at all. Please note all information on this page is my situation and opinion. If you want medical information please go to 'The EDS Society'.

Meeting People

Making new friends when you have a chronic condition can be challenging just putting yourself out there. It can feel scary, vulnerable, embarrassing and overwhelming. 

Mobility

My connective tissue disorder means dealing with flare ups and injuries all the time. I use a wheelchair and walking stick as needed. There is actually a term, “ambulatory”, for those who use a wheelchair to help get around even though at some points they may be able to walk.

Have you tried this?

There is currently no cure for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Collagen supplements are not effective for people with EDS, as the body breaks down all dietary proteins into individual amino acids and relies on genetic instructions—our DNA—to rebuild collagen. Since the issue lies within our DNA, supplements cannot correct the underlying problem. Certain treatments can pose serious risks. Steroid injections, for example, are generally not recommended due to the potential for complications like tendon rupture or nerve damage. Some commonly prescribed medications can increase the risk of aneurysms, and drugs such as opioids or anticholinergics can worsen gastrointestinal symptoms or contribute to conditions like gastroparesis. Invasive medical procedures also carry higher risks, including blood vessel rupture, excessive bleeding, poor wound healing or complications with anaesthesia. I truly appreciate when people want to offer help or suggestions but please know that I’m working closely with my healthcare team to make informed and careful decisions that are best for my health.

Some Random Facts

Travel is often very painful for me and sometimes not possible at all. I also face access issues when organizers aren’t willing to accommodate complex needs. My allergies are serious—gluten is the most dangerous, and my specialist has said it could be life-threatening.

I live with daily pain ranging from a 5 to a 10. Sometimes it's so severe I can't hold a conversation. Pain takes a huge amount of focus, so I struggle with demands or frustration from others—it can be overwhelming.

Typing and computer work can injure me, so long messages or documents are difficult. I also have immune issues so a simple cold can cause serious respiratory issues.

I’m grateful for my supportive husband. My family situation is complicated—most are estranged, except for my elderly mother and a cousin who is unwell.

Exercise and nutrition are the only things that help, but my diet can make social situations hard, and EDS makes exercise risky unless it's very gentle—and even then, there are no guarantees, so it is a never ending cycle of injuries and disfunction.

Further Information

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a rare genetic condition, so you may not have heard of it. It primarily affects women—around 90% of diagnosed cases—and currently, there is no dedicated EDS Society or government funding in Australia.

Tragically, it was recently reported that two women died overseas due to inadequate medical care related to EDS. And if that’s what is reported, how many more go unnoticed? In contrast, countries like the U.S., the U.K., and France have dedicated EDS societies that work to support patients, improve access to care, advocate for research, and foster collaboration across the medical community. Here in Australia, we have none of that support.

One of the most famous people believed to have had EDS is Elvis Presley. Had this been included in the recent film about his life, it could have brought much-needed global awareness to the condition. link

Other well-known individuals with EDS include:

1. Billie Eilish
2. Selma Blair
3. Halsey
4. Sia
5. Lena Dunham
6. Jameela Jamil
7. Cherylee Houston
8. Yvee Oddly
9. Rebecca Yarros

Read more

EDS Documentaries
🎦 The Raw and Honest Truth
🎦 Bend or Break