I’m delighted to share that my artwork “Bottlebrush Symphony” received the Gallery 11:11 Art Prize / People’s Choice Award!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who visited the exhibition, voted, and shared in this wonderful experience. Your support, encouragement, and kind words mean so much to me.
The winning piece, “Bottlebrush Symphony,” will be available for purchase through the Gallery 11:11 website for the next eight weeks: www.gallery1111.net
It was such a joy to celebrate this moment surrounded by art lovers,
friends, and the creative community.
Sometimes, I run very small, intimate workshops—just three participants—so each person can explore their own individual theme. This particular workshop was organised and sponsored by CMRC and contributed to the exhibition Borders, Bonds, Belonging, held at Ngurra Gunya Exhibition Hall, Parramatta Square. The exhibition, organised by CMRC and ADSi, was part of #RefugeeWeek2025 — a time to reflect, connect, and stand in solidarity amid global displacement and conflict. Twelve talented Ukrainians shared their culture through paintings, music, and poetry, creating a powerful celebration of identity and resilience. Our workshop took place in my art studio, which conveniently had all the supplies ready. The theme was open: participants could explore anything that reminded them of Ukraine or anything particular they love about Australia. The results were personal, heartfelt, and inspiring — a true testament to the power of creativity in connecting people and cultures.
The exhibition True Blue & a Little Bit of Yellow at Gosford Community Gallery was the first of many we held during the first three years of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It marked a moment when art became a way to stand together, to act, and to help. Seven Australian artists of Ukrainian descent, all living and working in Australia, came together to sell artworks and raise funds for Ukrainians in need. The theme — blue and yellow — was both simple and deeply felt: a tribute to the ocean, to emotion, and to shared experience. We are endlessly grateful to everyone who visited, supported the exhibition, purchased artworks, or made a donation. This exhibition ran from 27 June to 1 July 2022, and it set the tone for everything that followed.
