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.
From time to time, someone commissions a portrait not simply as an artwork, but as a way to preserve a presence — a face, a character, a moment in life meant to last beyond the present. Portraits hold a unique place in art because they are created with the future in mind, becoming part of a family’s visual history. When I work on a portrait, my focus goes beyond likeness. I look for what makes a person recognisable to those who love them — a certain expression, a posture, a quiet strength or warmth that speaks of who they are. These details are often subtle, but they are what transform a portrait into something deeply personal. Commissioned portraits are often created to mark important moments: a milestone, a legacy, or a tribute. Over time, they become witnesses to family stories, passed from one generation to the next, carrying memory, identity, and connection. For me, creating a portrait is a shared process built on trust and attentiveness. It is about honouring the individual and creating a work that will continue to speak long after the sitting has ended — a lasting memory, held in paint.
The fast-drying nature of acrylic paints brings an entirely different kind of energy to my practice. They provide immediate results and encourage a spontaneous, expressive approach that keeps the process fresh and dynamic. What I love most about acrylics is their incredible versatility. They can be used on canvas, paper, or wood — opening endless creative possibilities for experimentation. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate many of their qualities: Versatility – suitable for almost any surface. Quick drying – perfect for working in layers or capturing fast-changing ideas. Water-soluble – easy to clean and manipulate. Layering and texture – ideal for building depth and tactile interest.
