A huge thank you to everyone who joined the workshop! I’m so proud of the beautiful creations you brought to life and all that you achieved with your creativity. A special shoutout to Sandy Bake Shop for hosting us in such a lovely space — your warm and welcoming environment made the day even more enjoyable. And of course, thank you to Nataliya Bake For Ukraine for the delicious sweet treats — you added that extra touch of magic to our day! It was such a joy to share this creative experience with you all. I can’t wait for the next one!
One question keeps coming up: what’s next? I’m delighted to share that my work has been selected as a finalist in the Hunters Hill Art Prize 2026. It’s an honour to be part of this exhibition alongside a strong group of selected artists, all coming together in the beautiful Hunters Hill Town Hall. The work I’ve entered, Soft Country — Eucalyptus Socialis, continues my exploration of Australian native trees — their presence, individuality, and the subtle complexity of their colour and form. If you’d like to see it in person, here are the exhibition details: Buyers’ Preview Thursday 21 May 2026, 7pm – 8pm Canapés and drinks available Opening Night Friday 22 May 2026, 6pm – 8pm Canapés and drinks available
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.
