In September 2023, I answered a callout for visual artists to collaborate on a project for the upcoming Adelaide Fringe 2024 season. The Fringe is legendary for its vibrant energy and creativity, and I knew that being part of it would be a transformative experience. However, I couldn’t have anticipated just how much it would impact my life and career.
Embracing the Fringe for the First Time
Participating in the Fringe was ah-mazing! It was intense, challenging, and rewarding all at once. It felt like I stepped into a new world where art, expression, and community all collided. Every moment was both a learning opportunity and a personal milestone.
The Fringe pushed me as an artist, stretching my creativity and resilience in ways I hadn't experienced before. To say I was a little sad when it was over, is an understatement!
The Residency
To my absolute shock and delight, I was awarded a visual artist residency at Goodwood Theatre & Studios. This meant my journey was far from over. The residency was an unexpected gift, and it breathed new life into my creative ambitions. I set up my studio space, and I poured myself into my work, focusing on both growth and exploration.
With my new-found studio space, I began preparing for the South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival. In August, I had my debut solo exhibition, which was totally surreal! Having my work displayed in such a beautiful venue was such a privilege and my opening night was another "pinch me" moment that I’ll carry with me forever. I felt humbled, and deeply grateful to be where I was.
Curating for Fringe 2025
As we approach the end of 2024, I find myself reflecting on the year and everything that’s happened. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better Chris and Simone, who have been so encouraging and forever supportive of my work, have asked me to curate the visual artists program for Adelaide Fringe 2025. It’s an immense responsibility and a thrilling new challenge.
I’m thrilled to have the company of three other emerging artists: Krystal Cave, Charlotte Meekins, and photographer Olivia Gloss. Together, we’re forming the Catalyst Artist Collective, bringing a community-focused exhibition with themes of mental health, mindfulness, and the healing power of art. Our goal is to create an interactive experience that draws people in and invites them to engage deeply, not just with the art itself but with the themes that underpin it. We want to make art accessible, inclusive, and truly transformative.
Not only are we tackling a serious topic, but we’ll also be infusing our work with joy, playfulness, and creativity. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience, and I can’t wait to see it come to life.
Connecting Psychology and Art
Before I pursued a career as an artist, I studied psychology and worked in social and community services. My interest in mindfulness and meditation has origins in my past profession, and now, as an artist, I find myself naturally drawn to exploring these themes through my work. Art, to me, is a powerful vehicle for self-discovery, reflection, and healing. Creating art is not just about producing something visually pleasing; it's about creating a dialogue – sometimes with others, and often with oneself.
Inspired by Childhood and Nature
I gravitate towards abstraction as a means of expressing a personal and emotional visual language. My art incorporates hidden symbols, writings, and memories that reflect themes of nature, heritage and beauty. Every brushstroke, though seemingly random, is part of a larger, intuitive process where intention meets spontaneity.
My work is heavily influenced by my childhood memories, colours and shapes embedded in my subconscious, waiting for the right moment to emerge in my art. For me, each piece is a dance between structure and spontaneity, between conscious choice and subconscious expression.
Looking Forward
As I look to the future, there’s so much more I want to explore, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. Adelaide Fringe 2025 will be an incredible adventure, and I’m absolutely honoured to be curating a project that brings art and mental health into focus.
Just when I thought I might rest after next year's Fringe (ha-ha, as if!), and indeed as I thought I was finished writing this blog, Simone and Chris offered to extend my GTS residency, and of course, I didn’t hesitate to respond with a big, fat “YES”! and with that news, I'm humbled, grateful and SO excited to dive into this next phase of my career.
So, watch this space – we’re just getting started.
Who says dreams don’t come true?
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