ARTIST STATEMENT
"Painting brings me a sense of calm and joy like no other. Painting has always been my meditation, my way of expressing that which I didn't have the words for. Expressive Portraiture was my focus for years, but during the pandemic, I started to really think about the limitation of language. I started to use my flow of consciousness to create these physical representations of my emotional state.
My purpose is to create pathways to reflection and insight, to remind us all not to take our days, seconds and minutes for granted. I've supported many people in their dying moments, and really understand that what matters is how much joy and love we have in our lives. Life is finite. I hope to encourage you to take a gentler, more compassionate and more playful approach to your existence.
Actions always have consequences. Do we stand by each other and build community, or do we hide behind a judgemental screen letting contempt eat at our core? I know what I prefer, and from a psychological point of view, compassion and optimism is what will benefit us the most. I've learned about the reality of life and death, and have become more humble because of it.
My art is all about sharing this knowledge with you, your soul to be brave enough to play."About
About
BIOGRAPHY
I grew up in the Northern Suburbs of Adelaide, going to school in Gawler. I idolised the movie Love and Other Catastrophes (an Australian 90's movie based on uni life) when I was in high school, and spent the next 10 years studying various topics, including psychology, visual art and nursing.
Oh my gosh, I can't even explain how many jobs I've had in that time. Everything from working with kids at risk as a youth worker, working in disability, as an ED Nurse and I now work part time as a mental health nurse and have my own photography company. I've been a photographer for 20 years, having studied to Light Square College of the Arts.
I'm not happy unless I'm able to be creative with those that I love, but also help others. I'm a community over competition kinda person. There is space for us all, and I am forever a hype girl.
CV
Exhibitions
Solo
October- January 2024/25 Entangled Dreams, Women's and Children's Hospital, Centre for Creative Health
March 2024 Hope, Joy of Flora, West Croydon
2023 How Does it Make You Feel? Royal Adelaide Hospital, Centre for Creative Health
2023 Life, In Colour. Joy of Flora, West Croydon
2014 Wheatshef Hotel.
2008 Gingers Cafe.
May 2007 Lights, Urban Cow Studio.
2006 Men, Suzie Wong’s Room, Hindmarsh.
August 2003 Rantings, Urban Cow Studio.
October 2002 Untitled, Urban Cow Studio.
Collaborative
August 2024. SALA For Silos, Karoonda.
August 2024. Bloomvale, Mr Sunshines with the Rundle Collective.
August 2024 Past, Presence, Futures. Trinity College, Gawler.
2013 Let them play, Vintage Carousel, Brompton.
2013 Tell them you’re pretty, Addora Live. Tranmere.
2012 Gingers Cafe, Goodwood.
2010 Kings Head, Adelaide. (Multiple exhibitions)
2005 The Gallery, Adelaide.
2005 Amnesty International Fundraiser, Jive, Adelaide.
2004 Sprouts, Adelaide.
2003 Odeon Theatre.
2003 Flight, Miss Gladys Sym Choon, Adelaide.
July 2003 Kunst, Worlds End Hotel, Adelaide.
October 2003 Attack of the Girls, Exeter Hotel, Adelaide.
November 2003 Art East, Exeter, Adelaide.
March 2002 Acquiescence, Breakers Pool Hall, Adelaide.
April 2002 Frame the Couch, Carclew Youth Art Centre, North Adelaide.
June 2002 We’re Creating the Future, Carclew Youth Art Centre, North Adelaide.
November 2001 Collaborative Exhibition, Lombard Gallery, Magill.
2001 Adelaide University. (Multiple exhibitions)
Awards
October 2000 Express: Youth Art Exhibition, Norwood. Winner: Painting.
May 2000 Winner of the Playford Youth Art Competition/ Exhibition, 16-20 age category.
April 2001 Winner of the Playford Youth Art Exhibition, 20-26 age category.
Art Projects
2001 Caravan Mural for Playford Youth Council.
2004 Carclew City Cites Mural
Designer
January 2000 Ami Hit the Atmosphere- Byte Theatre, Artery Party, Carlclew. Make up and Costume.
February 2000 More than Monologues- Byte Theatre, Shelley Theatre. Make up artist.
June 2000 Ami hit the atmosphere- Byte Theatre, Shelley Theatre. Set, make up and costume.
August 2000 The “S” Squad, Byte Theatre, Lion Arts Bar. Set make up, costume.
November 2000 Remote Control Junkies, Jumbuck Youth Theatre, poster image and actor.
2001 Caravan Mural, Playford Youth Council.
2002- 2016 Lighting for various bands.
2004 Set Designer, The Arts Theatre.
Actor
November 2000 Remote Control Junkies, Jumbuck Youth Theatre.
March 2004 Salty Sprinklers, Urban Myth Theatre Company, Adelaide and Murray Bridge.
Musician
Corporate Kitty
-performed at Adelaide University Orientation 2002
-Raw Comedy 2002 Rhino Room.
Publications
Wednesday March 28 2001, “Dept of Youth”, Messenger Adelaide.
May 2000, “Bee eater, Mermaid catch judges eye”, Messenger Adelaide.
8th of April, 2002, On dit cover design, Adelaide University.
DJ
2006-7, Franklin Hotel and Wakefield Hotels.
2010- 2007 Crown and Anchor Hotel.
Curator
2002 Jive, Adelaide.
2007 Suzie Wongs Room, Hindmarsh.
Workshop organiser
2007 Monthly Life Drawing sessions at Suzie Wongs Room, Hindmarsh.
2005 Amnesty International Art Coordinator.
Event Organiser
Adelaide University Orientation/ O’Ball 2002
Art Life model- 2005
Photographer
2002- Current (Sally Mckinnon Photographer/ Rebel Romance)
Education
2002 Bachelor of Humanities
2004 Advanced Diploma of Visual Art and Applied Design, TAFE.
2010 Bachelor of Nursing
2011 Graduate Diploma in Mental Health