Artist’s Blog
Insights, painting techniques and news from my Blue Mountains studio
My 98 Year Old Inspiration
Decades before the Mindfulness movement, my Gran taught me to pay attention to nature, to see and sense like an artist.
Proud Parenting Moment
When prompted to explain what ‘a good job’ is, my 11 year old wannabe hustler, gives me a proud parenting moment.
Nine Year Old Wisdom
I felt tenderness tighten my chest, vulnerability quickened my breath. Had I deserted my daughter who was now pining and alone without me?
A Beauty That Catches - Poetry, Painting and a Father's Love
Love and beauty can 'catch' us, whether in word, deed or image. Tony Brennan's poem of the love of a father deeply affected and inspired me.
Creating Safety to Mess Up
I try to create safety for mistakes with all works in progress, in painting and with people...
Tragedy Necessitates Art
Tragic events happen all the time in our world. As an artist what can or should I do?
Taking the Plunge
My 8 year old daughter recently reminded me how gutsy it is to strive for results and that reaching them isn't the most important outcome.
Inspiration and "The Abyss of Doom"
Do you, like me, sometimes wonder what will inspire you to keep working and following your passions?
Real Success
What is real success as an artist and how is it measured? My child reminds me that success is about love and family.
Born Lucky
I’m lucky to live in this lucky country, but more lucky than some… to the mainstream I’m an invisible immigrant.
Freewheeling to Joy
What do we gain when we give up our preconceived plans and goals, to freewheel into being present and curious?
Creating Art & Life in the Danger Zone
Creating art and a rich life involves exposing myself to the possibility of experiencing pain and loss as well as joy. Do you construct a fortress to safeguard your heart, or live courageously in the danger zone?
A Mysterious Alchemy
As I paint, so I am made whole, brought into my truth, my essential self. The pain doesn’t disappear or get masked by a panacea; rather it is given expression, allowed to just be.
The Roots that Anchor You
It was when I learned to acknowledge the rich tapestry of my heritage - all I had grown up with, the roots that sustained me, gave me life, - that I began to understand my own direction.
Out of the Mouths of 'Babes'
A car conversation with my 14-year-old that reminded me to keep working without fear of failure.
How I Learned to be Creative
My Gran taught me to see the world with the eyes of an artist. Now I feel her loss keenly, as I notice what she taught me.