When 14-year-old Luca French isn’t scribbling in his notebooks, he’s snorkelling along the coastline in eastern Sydney or dreaming up out-of-this-world characters.
So it’s only fitting that the teenage illustrator has brought these two worlds together in his original artwork, commissioned by the redevelopment project team to feature in a public lift within the new children’s hospital and research centre building at Randwick.
Titled Ninget Ocean Adventure, the imaginative artwork features the teen’s iconic extraterrestrial-like characters inside a giant walking submarine exploring the sea, surrounded by tropical fish and other peculiar underwater creatures.
“It’s inspired by my love of snorkelling – it always makes me feel so calm and happy when I’m looking at sea life under the ocean,” Luca said.
“I hope it does the same for people who see this artwork.”
The teenager’s hope is that the lift artwork will transport patients and staff into his world, creating a sense of wonder and distraction.
“I hope when people see my artwork they feel happy with all the funny, joyful creatures. I hope it helps them feel that there’s a bright future ahead to look forward to,” Luca said.
“There’s a lot of detail in my drawings, and I hope it will distract people from their worries. Each time they come back, they might notice something new.”
Luca also recognises that his age gives him a unique connection to his audience. Although he’s been creating characters since kindergarten – and was the youngest artist ever to feature in Sydney’s Vivid Festival – Luca says the hospital project is one of the most fun and rewarding things he’s worked on.
“I’ve been in hospitals quite a few times and know they can be stressful places if you or your loved ones are unwell,” he said.
This has been such a special and unique opportunity – to hopefully brighten up people’s day in some small way.
And his advice for other children inspired by his work? “I hope it inspires them to start drawing! It’s something you can do anywhere to cheer up and escape. You just need a pencil, some paper, and your imagination,” Luca said.
Luca is one of a select group of artists whose work will transform lifts in the new building, as part of the Arts, Play and Discovery component of the redevelopment project. Pictured: Young artist Luca French (above); and Luca’s ocean-inspired design that will feature in a lift within the new children's hospital building (below).
Published May 2025