My First Year Studying Visual Arts
University semesters seem to pass by so incredibly quickly. My first year is complete; the first year of potentially another five if I remain part-time. I still cannot conceive of finishing this degree, but I approach it with the ‘one day at a time’ philosophy, as being a mother to a toddler, a carer, and a business owner, fitting in study / artistic development is challenging.
Portrait of a Senior Territorian exhibition at Parliament House - ‘George’ second work from left
However this year I kicked goals and my second semester ended with the Portrait of a Senior Territorian exhibition, in which my portrait of George was hung in Parliament House for a week, and another show at Tactile Arts of CDU students work, titled ‘Ask Me Why?’ in which my portrait of my tutor Sarah Pirie hung. It was a thrill to attend the opening on the first, knowing that I had achieved a goal that I’d set over a year prior.
Portrait of Sarah Pirrie - ‘Ask Me Why'?’ exhibition at Tactile Arts
A big thank you to everyone that supported me by coming along to exhibitions, commenting online on my work, and cheering me on. I love and appreciate you.
A massive shoutout to my classmates, I learn so much from you as you develop your own work. Our tutors Sarah Pirrie, Mats Unden and Stuart Gluth are all incredible artists and passed on such knowledge to us this year while encouraging us relentlessly.
This all would not have come to fruition if it weren’t for Tess Bartlett of ‘This Simple Space’, my Mind-Set Coach, who has patiently coached me over the last few years as (historically) I am the type of creative that spends more time in crippling procrastination than doing anything at else. She has spent countless hours helping me to see that if I do not keep moving forward then I will inevitably slide backwards, which for me means back into life-destroying anxiety and depression. She has even helped me to visualise the sweet taste of success when I have my own solo show of my portrait paintings in March 2020! And the concept for that exhibition has just come about recently; I’m hoping it can be a living breathing exhibition that is completed during the hanging time!
‘Ask Me Why?’ exhibition at Tactile Arts
I’m excited to get back into study again next year, after a few exciting things have happened like getting married in New Zealand (eeek!), Christmas with family, celebrating our daughter Eleven’s 2nd birthday, and time with family in Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast. Then I hope to launch my rebranded sideline business and announce a NEW art business! Bring on 2019!