YVONNE, 2024

‘YVONNE’ 2024: This piece is not just an artwork but the memories of eight granddaughters. I didn’t realise how much I needed to paint this. It allowed me to be with her again, to remember her, to hear her, to grieve her. No one could replace her support and her love. Anywhere with grandma was home. – a topographical map of Tumut, where Yvonne grew up. She would always recall the poplar lined entrance; – yellow roses and purple pansies with yellow faces, Yvonne’s favourite flowers which she would also paint in watercolours; – a thriving maiden hair fern, which had a special spot in the speckled sun near the glass sliding door; – earl grey tea, recalled by every granddaughter as a favourite memory; – morning fresh dishwashing detergent (lemon), which you could smell in the kitchen when sitting on the stools and having a cup of tea; -knitting, a hobby that she kept and persisted with even though she lost her confidence with it towards the end. The knitting also represents the thread of artistic talent that runs through the family because of her influence. We miss you grandma. Every day. Please enjoy with a cup of earl grey.

I am an Anaiwan woman (Uralla, NSW). I was born and raised on Gumbaynggirr Country and currently living on Dharawal Country.

My family has a great affinity with the ocean and it is at the heart of my most cherished childhood memories.

My grandmothers, both artists, in watercolours and oils, opened me up to the art world from a young age. I hold a Bachelor of Arts (Photography) and BA Applied Science (Parks, Recreation and Heritage) with First Class Honours.

I am human, so I have experienced trauma, both happened to and created by me. My work is based on the human experience but with the aesthetics that connect me to my childhood, nature and culture.

Whilst the human experience in my art is based on my perspective and wide range of influences affecting my reality of existing (mental, emotional, cultural, spiritual and physical), I hope to relate to my audience.

In 2024 I have been a finalist in The National Contemporary Art Prize and the Goulburn Art Awards.