Born in London, Nell Schofield (b. 1963), television presenter, actress and writer, grew up in Sydney and started surfing at Bondi at age 13. She began her career playing the role of Debbie in the 1981 film Puberty Blues. Along with acting in productions with the Sydney Theatre Company, ABC TV and commercial networks, Schofield has worked as a television and radio presenter. She has narrated a number of documentaries, including the award-winning Cuttlefish: the brainy bunch, and has been voicing Media Watch for nearly two decades. Schofield is a sought-after public speaker and an advocate for social and climate change. In addition to writing film reviews and travel features she has released two books, and written a play, a screenplay and a documentary script.
New Zealand-born Abbey McCulloch spent her childhood on the Gold Coast, and watched Puberty Blues in high school with her friends. She was drawn to Schofield's attitude, transparency and awareness. 'She's the kind of person who doesn’t miss a trick. I hope this painting captures something brave and quietly zealous about her,' McCulloch said of her 2009 Archibald entry. 'There is a fleeting moment between capturing the character and destroying it and it's that space I enjoy.'
Gift of Nell Schofield 2020. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.
© Abbey McCulloch
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