Sisters

Sometimes it's the support of the people around us that make things possible. That's how Elena Kats-Chernin, one of Australia's most loved composers, feels about her sister Laura. When they were children, Laura started to learn the piano. Then, one day after her sister's piano lesson, the Elena sat down at the keyboard and played back Laura's pieces, note-perfect. That was the start of Elena's love of music and her ensuing career. Laura was not at all perturbed by her sister upstaging her. She was proud and supportive and became her greatest fan. Throughout all of Elena's career, Laura has been there for her. She has helped look after Elena's grandchildren, encouraged Elena in her musical career, and has been strong emotional support through many difficult times. I wanted to show Elena's complete joy and love for Laura, smiling and hugging her sister. They don't often embrace in real life, so it was beautiful to show in this portrait what can't always be said in person.