NEW YORK.-‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ is the first international exhibition featuring paintings by award winning Australian artist, Lynda Howitt. Opening next month, Howitt’s exhibition offers New Yorkers an opportunity to experience the famed charms of the Australian landscape without leaving the city.

Howitt is an emerging contemporary artist whose work has received critical acclaim in Australia for its richly emotive and graceful appeal. At the heart of each of Howitt’s abstract creations is a deep appreciation of her environment. Growing up in the midst of Australia’s famous beach culture, it is little wonder that Lynda’s work so movingly captures the many moods and colours of the sea and sky.

‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ is inspired by Bette Midler’s heart wrenching ballad of the same name. “Midler’s lyrics carry you into your inner thoughts and feelings”, says Howitt, “The listener is moved to a new depth of feeling, diving within and soaring high above is the music rises and falls. I aim to create the same experience for those who view my work”.

Howitt’s paintings have been exhibited in galleries throughout Sydney and she has been the winner of a variety of industry awards. Her expansion to the international art scene is an exciting next step for this compelling new artist.

Says Howitt “For me, being creative renews my soul, heals my spirit, and keeps my passion for life alive. I believe that art helps us to transcend the ordinary, allowing us to imagine what is possible.

“Wing Beneath My Wings” is showing at Jadite Gallery, 413 West 50th Street, New York, from June 17 – 30, 2008.

Lynda Howitt - Born in Uganda, the only white baby in a mission hospital, Lynda fled the Idi Amin massacre with her family to the shores of Western Australia. An idyllic childhood followed, growing up on the beach in Geraldton. These formitive years set the scene for Howitt’s love of Australia’s seascapes and skies. After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree, Howitt commenced a highly successful career as a designer and creative director in Perth, Kuala Lumper, London and Sydney. Over the past few years, Lynda has devoted much of her time to painting. She has enjoyed numerous accolades including winning the ‘Signature of Sydney’ art competition in 2006.