-By Kim Parnell-
Wow, time really does fly when you’re having fun!
It’s hard to believe it’s been a little while since we last caught up with the ever-talented Rebecca (Jane) Knowles — the creative force behind Art by Rebecca Jane. Our last chat was back in November 2023, so a catch-up was well overdue, especially with such a huge milestone to celebrate. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Matt and Rebecca’s successful art business. What an achievement!
“Can you believe it?” Rebecca says, “We’re celebrating 10 amazing years in business, and it’s all thanks to the incredible support we’ve received from so many wonderful people along the way.
“It honestly blows me away how often people come back for more of my artwork, like it’s their daily tea or coffee fix! I feel so proud knowing that my pieces are shared with friends and family, passed on like little bursts of joy. It’s become a fun addiction… a colourful obsession!
“Our journey began at the formerly named Urangan Pier Park markets, so it feels extra special that our official 10th birthday lands on Saturday, July 19th — right when we’ll be back at the renamed Markets at the Pier.

“It couldn’t be more perfect. We get to celebrate this milestone surrounded by our amazing customers and beloved market family. We’d absolutely love it if you dropped by to say a big hellooooooooo!”
In true creative style, 2024 was a whirlwind of exciting projects for the dynamic duo. One of the standout highlights? A fabulous creative collaboration with bestselling Australian author Rachael Johns.
“I painted twenty of her books sitting in a bookcase, surrounded by funky items that are special to her,” Rebecca shares. “It was such a fun and meaningful project.”
She also created a striking artwork for Australian Vespa Days on the Sunshine Coast, a piece that was raffled off to help raise funds for the event and their club.
But the creative energy didn’t stop there. Rebecca and Matt have also introduced some exciting new products to their range, including a quirky and colourful collection of earrings.
“We print, cut and assemble them ourselves,” Rebecca explains. “They all feature fun and unique creatures or items taken from my paintings, and of course, we’ve added a bit of sparkle and bling for good measure!”
There’s a whole lot of research and creative digging that happens long before Rebecca even picks up a paintbrush.
“Usually, we love to travel to the places I’m painting — it really helps me capture the vibe and details,” Rebecca says. “But with my current project, a Map of Australia, it’s not exactly something we can explore on foot or in a couple of days!”
Instead, Rebecca has been doing lots of online research, taking on board recommendations and pictures from friends and followers to help bring this piece to life, a clear reflection of the passion and detail that goes into every piece of artwork she creates.
Rebecca’s artwork has found its way onto walls and into hearts all across Australia, from coast to country, with a growing number of fabulous stockists proudly showcasing her pieces.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who’s supported us over the years, and for those who have been with us year after year,” Rebecca says.
Among those special ones are Goody’s on the Beach in Toogoom, Lady Elliot Island, K’gari (Fraser Island), Fudgyboombahs in Montville, Nullawokka Gallery in Bollon, Torquay Licensed Post Office in Hervey Bay and the Hervey Bay & Maryborough Visitor Information Centres.
“We’re also super thankful for the many other wonderful businesses that stock a smaller selection of our products or work with us in the busy whale season in Hervey Bay.”

It’s clear that Rebecca’s art continues to connect with people everywhere, and her gratitude shines just as brightly as her paintings. Of course, producing such a vibrant variety of products wouldn’t be possible without Matt.
Every piece is printed on-site, and that’s no small task! Rebecca proudly describes him as the behind-the-scenes superstar who helps bring her colourful creations to life. His attention to detail is second to none.
“He’s truly amazing,” Rebecca says. “Thanks to Matt, my art has become accessible in so many fun and practical ways — from baby bibs and icy pole holders to puzzles, wine glass slippers, and tote bags!”
It’s no wonder customers often call them ‘the one-stop shop’ — there’s something for everyone, and every product sparkles with personality.
Once Rebecca puts the finishing touches on a painting, the next phase begins, and that’s where Matt steps in with his magic. He photographs the artwork and kicks off the all-important test printing process.
“Each product prints a little differently,” Rebecca explains. “Greeting cards, coasters, mugs, tea towels — they all have their own quirks, so test prints help us fine-tune the colours and details to get everything just right.”
Most of their creations are made using dye sublimation — a clever two-step process that actually dyes the fabric, rather than just sitting on top of it. It’s what gives Rebecca’s work those vibrant, long-lasting colours we all know and love.
Of course, every product has its own workflow, with specific times and temperatures to achieve the perfect finish. And with Matt often juggling multiple orders at once — sorting through stacks of products destined for markets, online orders, and wholesale stock — it’s safe to say he’s the engine that keeps everything running smoothly!
But beyond the products and process, it’s the people who keep Rebecca and Matt inspired.
That warmth and connection are part of what makes Art by Rebecca Jane so special.
“Many of our customers have become great friends over the years, and those connections mean the world to us,” Rebecca says. “Even if they’re not shopping with us that day, they’ll often stop by for a quick chat, a wave, or just a smile as they pass. It really makes our day.”

From the very beginning, Rebecca and Matt have valued the power of a friendly conversation, sharing the story behind their business and learning a little about the people who support it.
“We love finding out where people are visiting from, and who they’re buying for, it adds a personal touch to every interaction,” she says.
In fact, many of their biggest opportunities have come directly from these market moments. Whether it’s someone returning to share how much a gift was adored, or a familiar face recalling Art by Rebecca Jane’s humble beginnings as a tiny stall back in 2015, it’s these stories and smiles that have helped shape their business.
“It’s genuinely heartwarming to see how many people in our community proudly share my artwork with their friends and family and how proud they are to have our art and business represent this beautiful region. I’m constantly inspired by the stories and good vibes from everyone who stops by our stalls.”
Rebecca continues. “We would like to send out a massive thank you to our amazing stockists, our wonderful customers (both our loyal royals and lovely newbies), our fans and followers, and of course, our incredible family and friends.
“And a special shout-out to the energetic crew at Markets at the Pier, where we get a fun day out every Saturday to showcase our products and meet so many wonderful people.
“Thank you to everyone for being our cheerleaders.”
To find out more, go to
www.artbyrebeccajane.com
And follow us on Facebook
Facebook.com/artbyrebeccajane
Or Instagram –art_by_rebecca_jane
Cover image: Market Time – Celebrating 10 years, Markets at the Pier