There is a particular kind of magic in creating art surrounded by so many artworks. Working within the exhibition space was deeply inspiring, and behind us you could glimpse True Blue & a Little Bit of Yellow — AUSTRALIANA unfolding around the workshops. I am immensely proud of everyone who took part in the painting workshops during the Australiana exhibition. Scarlett banksia bloomed in every artwork, each one different, each one full of care and attention.
The second workshop focused on native flowers, and the results were so strong that it became hard to tell which work was mine and which belonged to the participants. That level of engagement and confidence is something truly special.
People often ask how to cope with stress, how to live with worry, how not to feel overwhelmed by the news from Ukraine. My answer is simple: respond in the way you can, and stay connected. Art, shared time, and human presence matter.
Thank you to everyone who came to support, create, and be present. I hope these workshops brought moments of light and positive energy. We choose to live fully, to stay strong, stay together, and find joy in art and friendship — despite everything.
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!
1 April 2026
My solo exhibition Echoes of the Bush was held at Art Space Gallery, The Concourse in Chatswood. It grew from a deep admiration for Australian nature and a close, ongoing observation of my surroundings. The result was a series of tree portraits and studies of bush textures — works that sit somewhere between painting and sculpture, and are truly meant to be experienced in person. Over 12 days, the exhibition unfolded into something far richer than I could have anticipated. The opening night set the tone — with a thoughtful address by Alan Davies and a moving performance by soprano and bandura player Larissa Kovalchuk. It was a beautiful beginning, and one that stayed with me throughout the exhibition. Across the two weeks, the gallery became a place of connection. We held two fully booked workshops, shared hundreds of conversations, and welcomed a steady flow of visitors — 1,146 people in total. Each interaction, each question, each moment of curiosity added something meaningful to the experience. It was also a great honour to welcome the Mayor of Willoughby, Tanya Taylor, and to feel the genuine support of the Willoughby Council team throughout the entire process. Their encouragement made a real difference. The exhibition has now come to a close — 12 intense and incredibly rewarding days. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who visited, who spent time with the work, and who shared their thoughts and impressions. It truly takes just one kind word to shape someone’s experience, and I felt that kindness every day. A special thank you to those who chose to take a piece of this exhibition home. It means a great deal to know that the works will continue their life in your spaces.
