Teacher reunites with artist 40 years later, not knowing how she inspired his masterpiece

Thom Roberts has always done things in what he calls "Thom’s way." The Sydney-based artist paints people as trains, towers, or more that often feature surreal motifs — multiple eyes, piano keys for teeth, or a nose replaced by a hand or foot. Over the years, that distinct vision has earned him a spot as a finalist in the prestigious Archibald Prize four times. Known for renaming everyone he meets, Roberts once christened a colleague "Steam" and another "Kylie Panther," as per ABC News Australia. But among his playful nicknames, one name kept returning: Mrs. Staveley — a name that inspired one of his best art pieces.

Roberts is one of the artists at Studio A, an organization that supports artists with intellectual disability to thrive in the contemporary art world. "Thom’s a man of many interests, and he’s very curious about the world," said Studio A’s CEO, Gabrielle Mordy. While he often mentioned Mrs. Staveley, nobody knew who she was until one day, the mystery woman walked into Studio A. "I was Thom’s teacher many years ago. In fact, 40 years ago," said Judith Staveley, now in her 90s. She had been Roberts’ primary school teacher in 1983; their bond was clear as they reminisced about old school days. When asked what he liked best about school, Roberts’ answer was simple: "You." 

Reflecting on the impact of the reunion, Mordy said, "Mrs. Staveley made Thom feel important, Mrs. Staveley made Thom feel loved at school, and he has been remembering her ever since." Roberts immediately asked if he could paint her for the Sulman Prize, another major art competition. To him, the request meant she was "a big deal." He sketched her that very afternoon, but in true Thom style, the portrait was anything but traditional. He reimagined her as "Mrs. Picture Book," transforming his beloved teacher into a 92-year-old Goldilocks, complete with multiple eyes, piano teeth, and a handle-shaped nose. 

When Staveley saw the finished painting, her joy was palpable. "Here I am with piano teeth and several eyes and a nose that has a hand at the end of it. But it’s me. He’s captured me. It’s wonderful. I’m so proud of you." She also marveled at Roberts’ candor, saying, "He tells me he’s going to go on painting till he’s an old man. Then he said, 'You’ll be dead, but I’ll go on painting.' And he’s absolutely right." The portrait got accepted as a finalist in the Sulman Prize, marking another career milestone, but for both student and teacher, the recognition was secondary. 

The painting was a bridge between past and present, a reminder of how the right teacher can leave an impression that lasts a lifetime. Research shows that strong teacher-student relationships help students develop a healthy sense of belonging and self-esteem, effects that often extend into adulthood. The story was later shared on ABC News Australia’s Instagram

@abcnews_au, where it drew an outpouring of admiration. @modern_love_celebrant wrote, "This is delightful. The editing on Kayla/Katrina is magic. The greatest gift is a good teacher." @cinchtraining commented, "Oh, this is beautiful! Darling Mrs. Stavely — what a wonderful teacher you were (with your three sets of eyes, piano teeth and hand at the end of your nose)." @carrielannon added, "For a teacher to find the talent within an unusual child is a gift, indeed. Look at the impression she made. A beautiful story with so many lessons."

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