Queensland Department of Education’s Post

Meet Taya Lindner - Visual and Media Arts teacher at Elanora State High School, and finalist in the prestigious 2025 Doyle’s Art Award with her landscape artwork Connection: Fingal Headland. Having achieved OP1 and Dux in Year 12, many expected Taya to pursue Law or Medicine, instead she used her academic scholarship at Griffith to study the Arts and Education. ‘My grandfather, a principal in Victoria, was my idol growing up, so it felt like a natural path. After my first (challenging!) Prac, I knew I’d found my place — the classroom,’ Taya shared. ‘I faced plenty of surprise and even discouragement for choosing the Arts and Education, but I believe you can be a “high achiever” and still follow a creative path that brings you joy and purpose.’ During high school the Art room was Taya’s safe, happy space – an environment where she felt free to be herself and an escape from the pressures of academic life. ‘Art taught me to see and approach the world differently, to find beauty everywhere, and that creative thinking is a life skill — not just something that happens on canvas.’ This work is part of Taya’s Connection series, which explores deep emotional and energetic bonds with special places in nature. ‘I’m inspired by the stunning landscapes of the southern Gold Coast — Springbrook, Tallebudgera, Fingal,’ she said. ‘This painting invites viewers into Fingal’s immersive beauty — where volcanic rock, coastal flora, and crashing waves swirl together. Perspectives merge, moments blur, and it captures more than a place — it evokes the feeling of salt in the air, light on water, and the pull of the tide.’ When we asked Taya to share a special moment from her career so far as a teacher, she answered: ‘A few years ago, The Courier-Mail featured the incredible artist Monica Rohan, and in her interview she thanked me for inspiring her as her high school Art teacher. To know you’ve helped light someone’s “heart fire” — that’s the most rewarding part of this job.’ 🌠 We’re truly grateful for educators like Taya who bring their passion and life experience into their lessons and create a safe space for creativity and self-expression to flourish. #SafeSchoolsRespectAll