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 select lifts within the new hospital buildings at Randwick and Westmead. 
 
Titled Ninget Ocean Adventure, one of his artworks 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,” said Luca.

“I hope it does the same for people who see this artwork," he said.

Luca’s artwork for one of the lifts at Westmead, titled Space Ningets, expands on the Year 9 student’s interest in space and his ability to create imaginative worlds for his characters to inhabit. 
 
This piece places the Ninget characters on flying carrot rocket ships, encountering fairytale creatures like friendly dragons and yet-to-be-discovered planets. 
 
The teenager’s hope for both designs is that they will transport patients and staff into his world, creating a sense of wonder and distraction. 

“I hope when people see my artworks, 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,” said Luca.
 

“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," he said.

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," said Luca.

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 nearly a dozen artists, selected through the Arts, Play and Discovery component of the redevelopment projects, whose work will transform lifts across both new hospital buildings. 

Read more about the project here.