An evolving style.

I always thought I could paint the same painting twice but now I realise that’s not the case. This is what makes buying an original artwork so special. There really is only one…I don’t currently do art prints for that reason. It’s a moment in time and then it’s over. Forwards motion.

Over the new year I spent some dreamy time on Stradbroke Island with my cousins. I took a moment to really go through and reflect on the work I’d been creating. While I love all the pieces - I wouldn’t ever put my name on them if I didn’t…I realised I had been becoming tighter and more precise with my lines. These clean overlapping panels are beautiful but I decided I really wanted to explore a looser style in 2025.

I’ve been working away, really focusing more so than ever on the tone and feeling of the painting. I feel that the looser lines give the painting more soul and vibe - they leave the painting open-ended to the viewer. My aim is to inject air and movement into my pieces. Brushstrokes and imperfections - yes please. I want it to feel raw and human. Someone asked me what I wanted my art to taste or feel like. I’d say with these new pieces, I want them to feel like soda water. Uplifting, dynamic and refreshing.

I’m continuing to paint every day and am working on multiple paintings at any time. I feel like this is the best approach to not get too attached to one piece. Be free and let it flow naturally. Layer upon layer, adding and subtracting details. I really celebrate those little moments in a painting where the detail peeks through or colours merge and meet. They are the touches that help me decide when a piece is done or not. Does the piece have a place to rest your eyes? Do you discover new details over time within the layers?

When I’m not painting, I’m considering my next move on my paintings. I’ve realised when I’ve tried to rush that it doesn’t work…this reflection is an important part of the process. I move the artworks around the house and digitally manipulate them to make sure I make the right move next. There’s nothing worse than stuffing up a painting by rushing into a decision. It’s a dynamic process in the beginning and then by the end it’s very slow - the final touches are everything.

Conceptually I’ve been thinking a lot about the passage of time and staying in the now. It’s a constant personal challenge but something that I’m starting to master.