My first solo exhibition entitled ‘EMERGENCE, launched in April, 2004, at the Dwellingup Gallery, Dwellingup, WA. I had recently just completed my Bachelors of Art Degree at the end of 2003, where I majored in painting. Much to my utter delight, it was a sell-out show! I had to scramble to find more work to replace the ones already sold to allow the exhibition to run its course. Excitement soared within me as I began to realize the huge potential a career in art could offer.
In 2013, I embarked, full time, on an adventure of self-discovery and development of new work.
Exhibiting regularly every year in the Mandurah, Perth and Margaret River regions, my most significant achievement, so far, was participating in the Melbourne Art Fair, 2011. Arq Designs, Subiaco, supported and promoted my work at the fair. Six large paintings were sold in all. A wonderfully inspiring experience for me.
To date, I’ve had 20 solo shows in local, Perth and Southwest galleries, and participate regularly in group shows and art competitions, such as the Cossack Art Award and the Manjar Art Award. I’m invited, annually, by Boranup Gallery, Margaret River, as ‘Artist-In-Residence’ where I create paintings on the veranda and interact with the clientele.
In 2015, my family and I suffered a family tragedy. For a period of 4 years, my confidence and creativity hit an all time low. However, 2019 brought new hope and joy to my spirit and I began to enjoy being back in my studio creating once again. The opportunity to exhibit at Lost Eden Creative, Dwellingup, WA presented itself, I grabbed it and the AWAKENING solo exhibition opened on 18 August 2020. The works portray a brand new style of playful mark making utilising collage, crayon and graphite.
One of the major goals for art my career, is to exhibit in New York, home of the abstract expressionists.
Plein Air Artists’ MPAC Exhibition Opening
Finally! The big day has arrived! The plein air painters exhibition, which opens this Friday night (29th Nov 19) 6.30 at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, is now hung and looking FABULOUS. It is such a privilege to be one of the 6 artists exhibiting alongside such greats as Leon Holmes, Warwick Fuller and Jo's Coufreur. It's a truly AMAZING exhibition of such international calibre. Come join us this Friday evening to celebrate with us.
Featured in the South West magazine for the 2019 Gallery Aura Exhibition, Kojonup WA
2021 Exhibitions
INNOVATION, Mandurah Alcoa Art Gallery, Mandurah, WA, Solo exhibition
AWAKENING, Lost Eden Creative Space, Dwellingup, WA, Solo exhibition
Belmont Art Award, Group exhibition, Perth
Peel Open Studios, Mandurah Alcoa Art Gallery, Mandurah, WA
Mandurah Portrait Artists group show, Contemporary Art Spaces, Mandurah, WA
2019 Exhibitions 2018 Exhibitions
Manjar Art Award, Mandurah, WA
Plein Air Group Exhibition, Mandurah, WA
BEAUTY FOR ASHES, Forest Heritage Centre, Dwellingup, WA, solo
Boranup Gallery, Margaret River, WA, artist in residence
OPEN STUDIOS, Mandurah, WA
INVITATIONAL PLEIN AIR EXHIBITION, Mandurah, WA
Mandurah Alcoa Art Gallery, WA
Plein Air Down Under, Mandurah,WA, group
Vivid Art Gallery, Mandurah, WA
OPEN STUDIOS, Gallery Aura, Kojonup, WA, feature artist
Berry Art, online gallery
Vivid Art Gallery, Mandurah, WA, group
2016 Exhibitions
2017 Exhibitions
Cossack Art Award, Roeburne, WA
Boranup Gallery, Margaret River, artist in residence
Manjar Art Award, Mandurah, WA
Crab Fest Plein Air Competition, Mandurah, WA
PLEIN AIR ADVENTURES, Pinjarra, WA, group
A & A Art Display, Perth, WA, group
Plein Air Group Exhibition, Mandurah, WA
Crab Fest Plein Air Competition, Mandurah, WA
Manjar Art Award, Mandurah, WA
2014 Exhibitions
2015 Exhibitions
Cossack Art Award, Roeburne, WA
Manjar Art Award, Mandurah, WA
Plein Air Competition, Mandurah, WA
Boranup Gallery, Margaret River, WA, artist in residence
CREATIVE EMOTIVE, Studio 281, Perth, WA, solo
FOUND – ONCE I WAS LOST, CASM, Mandurah, WA, solo
Cossack Art Award, Roeburne, WA
Plein Air Competition, Mandurah, WA
Manjar Art Award
THE BEAUTY OF NATURE, A & A Gallery, Perth, WA group
WIND BENEATH MY WINGS, A & A Gallery, Perth, WA, solo
Boranup Gallery, Margaret River, WA, artist in residence
2012 Exhibitions
2013 Exhibitions
Manjar Art Award, Mandurah, WA
Boranup Art Gallery, Margaret River, WA, artist in residence
Plein Air Competition, Mandurah, WA (winner)
Manjar Art Award, Mandurah, WA
IMPETUOUS, Gallery 281, Perth WA, solo
Boranup Art Gallery, Margaret river, WA, solo
2010 Exhibitions
2011 Exhibitions
Mandjar Art Award, Mandurah, WA
HEAVY METAL, CASM, Mandurah, WA, solo
100 Gallery, Melbourne, NSW, group
SONG OF ZAMBEZI Multicultural Centre, Fremantle, WA, solo
CASM, Mandurah, WA, group
NO LIMITS, Arq Design Gallery, Perth, WA, solo
Melbourne Art Fair, Melbourne, NSW
Mandjar Art Award, Mandurah, WA
BREAKTHROUGH, Boranup Gallery, Margaret River, WA, solo
2007 Exhibitions
2009 Exhibitions
Manjar Art Award, Mandurah, WA
Arc Designs, Perth, WA solo
Forest Heritage Centre, Dwellingup, WA, group
Mandjar Art Award, Mandurah, WA
FEMME, Studio 281, Perth, WA, group
2005 Exhibitions
2006 Exhibitions
THE THIRD OEUVRE, Mandurah Art Gallery, Mandurah, WA, solo
Manjar Art Award, Mandurah, WA
MANDURAH GATES RESORT, Mandurah, WA, solo
MOTIVATION, Stafford Studios, Perth, WA, solo
Manjar Art Award, Mandurah, WA
2003 Exhibitions
2004 Exhibitions
Dwellingup Gallery, Dwellingup, WA, group
Two Rivers – Publication
Mandurah Arts Council, Mandurah, WA
EMERGENCE, Dwellingup Gallery, Dwellingup, WA, solo
1997 Exhibitions
2002 Exhibitions
Wanneroo Art Society, Perth, WA, group
Profile Art Gallery, Mandurah, WA, group
Motivation
Motivation, Stafford Studios, Perth 2006
Early in 2003Motivation, I sent out packages to several galleries in the WA region, containing my resume and a CD of images of my work. Much to my delight, Marlene Stafford of Stafford Studios, a prestigious venue, requested that I bring in some paintings for her perusal. My daughter and I travelled to Perth with three, large paintings to show Ms. Stafford. She offered me a solo exhibition in September, later that year! I immediately began work on twenty five paintings, all oil and beeswax medium on canvas. On delivery day of the exhibition, two of Ms. Stafford's clients purchased two, large paintings while they were being unwrapped! Opening night was abuzz with interested buyers and collectors, family and friends. A total of six works were sold.
The Third Oeuvre
The Third Oeuvre, Alcoa Mandurah Art Gallery, Mandurah, 2005
While studying at Edith Cowan University for my art degree, I had communicated my desire to exhibit in the Mandurah Alcoa Art Gallery to the curator. A date was booked and I began work on twenty five works, oil and beeswax medium on canvas. At the time I was living in a small caravan in an enormous shed on a friend's property in Nambeelap, WA. The peace and quiet of the country environment was most conducive for creativity.
Mandurah Gates Resort Exhibition
Mandurah Gates Resort, Mandurah, 2005
The management of the hotel commissioned me to paint an extensive mural in the reception area. Upon its completion, an exhibition of paintings was planned for the large function room.
This exhibition was particularly enjoyable for me as I had the love and support of close family members and friends. Nine paintings in total were sold on opening night. A thrilling confirmation of great things to come.
Picture right
Emergence
Emergence, Dwellingup Gallery, Dwellingup, 2004
This first solo exhibition, held in the Dwellingup Art Gallery, Dwellingup, WA, came about through a random visit to the gallery one afternoon, shortly after I had completed my visual arts degree.
I returned with examples of my work, and after discussion, booked my first solo show at the gallery. Most of the 20 works were rendered in oil and beeswax medium on canvas with a strong, abstract theme.
Picture to Left
