what was it like growing up in byron bay in a creative family?
i’m really grateful to have grown up surrounded by creative people, as well as being supported by other local artists in the byron area. it was also great to have a balance between the rural aspects of byron, and being able to learn from people visiting from bigger cities. i definitely feel as though my upbringing will play a huge role in my life and will continue to influence my work.
tell us more about your creative practice?
i’m interested in portraiture in an impressionist style and i’ve recently begun painting more self-portraits. i think focusing on myself as the current subject of my work is a result of the current transitional period in my life, as i make the move from a small australian town to nyc.
i’m currently studying at parsons online and it's really great to be interacting with the professors and practicing artists in new york through the many different livestream talks and online events. while online has been great for learning, i’m really excited to be able to experience the city, the great works of art and to immerse myself in the parson’s community.
what inspires you?
i’ve always been inspired by the ambiguity around art as a form of expression and the way in which artists navigate their influence on this world. in this time where it feels as if there's so much to question, it’s liberating to see people return their attention to the arts – it acts as a relief and escape from our surroundings.
how, where and who will you be celebrating christmas with this year?
in the same way i’m sure many of us are – at home with family and friends.
what are you most grateful for this christmas? and hopeful for, for the year ahead?
i’m really grateful to have a space to express myself, as well as a safe space to live through these times. i truly hope that next year we'll be able to appreciate the things that we may have missed this year.
what are your favourite christmas traditions?
i think finding and decorating a tree from our property is always fun. christmas day for my family always begins or ends in the ocean.