At ArtSHINE, we’re proud to spotlight our Bright Stars—creatives who not only excel in their craft but use their work to make a meaningful impact. In this Close-Up Interview, we shine a light on Benitta, a gifted visual artist whose portraits speak volumes beyond the canvas.
Benitta specialises in portraiture, but her artistic range also includes still life, landscapes, and surface pattern design. Her ability to blend emotion with technique allows her to tell powerful stories—whether through a single expression in a portrait or the delicate details in her design patterns. As an ArtSHINE artist, Benitta’s surface designs are now licensed internationally, expanding her creative reach across markets and mediums.
In this interview, we take a deeper look into her recent portrait of renowned boxer and advocate Jeff Horn. Titled “Respect Always,” the piece is more than a likeness—it’s a tribute to resilience, advocacy, and the human spirit. Benitta shares the emotional journey behind the work, her personal experiences with bullying, and why this project holds a special place in her heart.
To explore more of Benitta’s art and creative journey, visit benitta.com.
Respect Always
Pastel on paper | 70cm x 100cm | 2024
A portrait by Benitta, honouring Jeff Horn and his advocacy through BullyProof Australia.
1. “Respect Always” is such a powerful title. What does this phrase personally mean to you, and why was it important to center this message in your portrait of Jeff Horn?
To me, “Respect Always” is the foundation of how we should treat each other—regardless of background, status, or strength, everyone deserves dignity. That message really echoes through Jeff’s work with BullyProof Australia, and it’s why I wanted to make it a central part of the portrait. Jeff signs off his messages with “Respect Always,” and when we first met, he took off his wristband and gave it to me. That gesture really stuck with me, and I felt it needed to be part of the story this artwork tells.
2. You’ve bravely shared your own experiences with bullying. How did those past experiences shape the emotion and intention behind this artwork?
Having gone through bullying myself, I know how deeply it can affect your confidence and how long those feelings can linger. It’s something that stays with you. Painting someone like Jeff, who’s now using his platform to make schools safer and more supportive, felt incredibly powerful to me. It gave the artwork real purpose.
3. This portrait of Jeff shows him in a moment of quiet strength, away from the boxing ring. What inspired you to depict him in this way, and what story were you hoping to tell through his expression?
I didn’t want to focus on Jeff the boxer—I wanted to show Jeff the person. The quiet strength in his expression reflects the work he’s doing now, which I find incredibly powerful.
4. Tell us about your process—how did you prepare emotionally and creatively for this piece? Was there a specific moment that guided how the portrait came together?
I met with Jeff a few times and really just listened—to his story, his passion for BullyProof Australia, and the message he’s trying to get across. I knew early on I wanted to include the wristband he gave me—it felt symbolic of his mission. Emotionally, I wanted to honour that part of him that’s quietly doing the work behind the scenes, not just the public figure people see in the ring.
5. Jeff Horn is known for his physical strength, but your artwork highlights his role as an advocate. Why do you think it’s important to spotlight athletes and public figures in these deeper, more human roles?
Because those are the stories that really stay with people. Athletes like Jeff have a huge reach, and when they use that for good—especially to support young people—it’s powerful.
6. Can you share how the collaboration with BullyProof Australia and Jeff Horn came about? What did it feel like to have your work featured in The Ipswich Tribune?
The connection came through a friend who knew someone in Jeff’s circle. We sat down, had a good chat, and I was really moved by the work he’s doing through BullyProof Australia. I knew right away I wanted to use my art to help share that message. Having the portrait featured in The Ipswich Tribune meant a lot—especially as a local artist. It was a great way to not only share my work but also help bring more attention to a program that’s genuinely helping young people.
Jeff Horn & Benitta Harding
7. As an artist who transforms pain into purpose, what do you hope young people who experience bullying will feel when they see this portrait?
I hope they feel empowered. Whether it’s Jeff’s story or mine, it’s about showing that bullying doesn’t define your worth. There’s strength in getting through it, and even more strength in using that experience to help others.
8. Portraiture is often about more than just likeness—it’s about soul. How do you approach capturing a person’s essence, especially when the subject has such a public persona?
I always look for the human behind the image. With someone like Jeff, who’s well-known and accomplished, it would be easy to focus on the accolades—but I was more interested in what he’s doing now. I think the essence comes through in subtle ways—the way they hold themselves, what they’re passionate about. That’s what I try to bring into my work.
9. What message would you like to share with fellow artists who have experienced adversity and are still finding their voice through creativity?
Keep going. Your experiences—especially the hard ones—can shape your most meaningful work. Don’t feel like you need to have it all figured out. Just keep creating, even in the messy moments. That’s where your voice starts to take shape. There’s space for your story, and someone out there needs to hear it.
Final Thoughts
Benitta’s portrait of Jeff Horn is more than just an artwork—it’s a reflection of empathy, resilience, and the quiet power of using art as advocacy. Through “Respect Always,” she reminds us that every brushstroke can carry meaning, and that healing and hope often begin with being seen and heard.
To follow Benitta’s journey, discover more of her portraits, landscapes, and surface pattern designs, visit benitta.com and explore the work of an artist committed to making a difference through creativity.
