Growing up in a creative family, the seeds of my artistic journey were planted early. My parents, who met at art school, cultivated an environment where creativity thrived. My mother, in particular, was my earliest inspiration. She encouraged me to explore and develop my artistic abilities from a young age, and my school provided further opportunities to nurture this passion. By the time I realised art was something I not only enjoyed but was good at, I had set my sights on becoming an artist.
However, as many journeys go, mine wasn’t straightforward. After completing a degree in Fine Arts, I found the road to establishing a career in the arts full of twists and turns. Opportunities in the art world seemed elusive, so I worked in other industries while painting in my spare time. Though art remained a constant in my life, I lacked the roadmap to turn my passion into a sustainable business.
My twenties were a time of exploration and growth. I travelled, collected life experiences, and honed my perspective. It wasn’t until 2012 when I moved to Tasmania, that I finally had the physical and mental space to rekindle my commitment to painting.
Leaping into full-time art was a pivotal moment. Renting my first studio and dedicating myself to this path was a risk, but I believed I had the potential to succeed. The transition wasn’t without its challenges; I had to learn the business side of art while dedicating countless hours in the studio to refine my skills and establish my style. It was a balancing act of ambition and perseverance.
Over the past decade, this journey has become the most rewarding and challenging adventure of my life. I’ve poured everything into my work, driven by a passion that grows stronger with each painting. The successes I’ve achieved - artistically and financially - are a result of my belief in myself from the start, along with the support of my husband and family.
Today, I can confidently say that backing myself was the best decision I ever made. Painting is not just a career for me; it’s a purpose. Every hour spent in the studio, and every lesson learned along the way, has shaped me into the artist I am today. And with each new collection, I feel the fire of inspiration burn even brighter.
Looking back, I’m proud of the risks I’ve taken and the growth I’ve achieved over the years. Transitioning from someone who painted in their spare time to a full-time artist was no small feat, but the journey has been worth every challenge. Along the way, I’ve learned that persistence, self-belief, and a willingness to evolve are essential to thriving in the art world. Each milestone - whether it was my first sold painting or my first gallery exhibition - has reminded me why I chose this path in the first place.
As I approach a decade of pursuing my passion professionally, I feel an even greater sense of excitement for the future. The past ten years have not only allowed me to develop my craft but also to build meaningful connections with collectors, curators and fellow artists. I’ve pushed the boundaries of my creativity, explored new techniques, and grown into an artist I never imagined I could become. 2025 marks ten years of making a living as a full-time artist, and I have three exhibitions planned to celebrate this milestone!
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