Erica Siegel

In Memoriam

January 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our member artist, Erica Siegel.

Erica had been drawing and painting most of her life, attending various art classes (including classes taught by our own Sandra Temple). She developed a passion for painting birds, especially after the bush next door to her was bulldozed and all the little birds disappeared.

Erica Siegel was also an avid photographer, capturing the beauty of both birds and bees in her garden. Showcased in many publications, her spectacular photography was also featured on the front covers of Gardening Australia Magazine in April 2025 and June 2024.

Erica travelled all over Australia and overseas, photographing birds and other wildlife. She was very interested in conservation of the natural environment and became a long-term member of Birdlife Australia, a supporter of Bush Heritage Australia, and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy.

Being in her 80s didn’t slow her down. As recently as last November, Erica proudly took 3rd place in the 2025 Pollinator Photography Competition, and was an annual contributor to Kaleidoscope Art Awards.

She returned to painting in recent years, as bushwalking with heavy camera equipment became more difficult for her. Erica became a member of the Queensland Wildlife Artists Society, Yurara Art Society, Boonah Regional Art Gallery, Wynnum – Manly Arts Council and the Redlands Camera Club.

Her work will be on display in the ‘Adventures in Colour Exhibition’, to be held at the Old School House Gallery, Cleveland, from 5 February to 1 March 2026.

Even through the last and difficult months of battling pancreatic cancer, Erica still found wonder and inspiration in Nature, regularly sharing photos from her garden.

She will be dearly missed by close friends and family, as well as by her fellow QWASI artists, photographers and all nature-lovers who knew her.

Nadya Neklioudova
QWASI President
president@qldwildlifeartists.com.au