I am a local Sydneysider, Teacher, Photographer and an emerging Australiana Visual Artist since 2020. In 2021, I opened my own small business and currently in 2023 most of my work is available on my own website, www.sydneyinsights.com.au or with BlueThumbArt plus my new endeavours have made me have the mission statement, ‘My Mission is Your Commission’. I love sharing my knowledge with others from all over the world and this new chapter in my life is bringing me so much joy. I continually am experimenting and being inspired by nature, people and other interesting things like music. To have a commission from a client to bring to life their special moment or surprise unique gift is something which you can’t buy anywhere. For my latest videos and samples of commissions, please follow and look through my Insta page @sydneyinsights.
My educational background became a new journey in my mature age and I qualified to become a Primary School Teacher after completion of a Batchelor of Arts Degree and Diploma in Education in 2007 at Macquarie University in Sydney.
This provided an opening to develop my skills as a visual artist through CAPA (creative and performing art) lessons . Years later returning to Macquarie University to specialise in teaching students of other language backgrounds, English (TESOL) by obtaining a Post Graduate Certificate. This specialised training required more extensive visual elements for each student, which resulted in my own experimentation and seeing the increased love of learning in all areas from each individual student.
Growing up with a love of the performing arts and photography on stage as a dancer and behind the scenes as a photographer, then later as a choreographer for dance groups. My passion and work changed dramatically during lockdown in Sydney in 2020. During this time, I discovered a hidden talent I never knew. Using my own photography of local Sydney scenes as a prop, to then see if they could be expressed in watercolour through patiently hand drawing and using watercolour paints. As a new artist, I am truly appreciative of the gift of self-expression through Art. Not only do you see some immediate reward for the time spent in pursuit of a goal but it’s been a valuable lesson in patience for me too. I always respected Artists but now it is on a whole new level. The more time spent in the process of creating, the much better result. ‘Patience’ is the key to reveal what our eyes appreciate on completion.
‘Art’ wouldn’t be as valuable or appreciated, if we didn’t share it with others. The platforms now unveil a continual journey and you can as an audience, viewer or buyer become a part of it too.
I always continue to expand my artwork and now work with a range of materials like acrylic on canvas’ in various sizes. I even entered my first self-taught portrait entered into The Archibald 2022, ‘Just Emerge’, which is available to buy. In 2022, I was a finalist in two small business award ceremonies in August and September (one local, one national). My success in reaching my goal this year of ‘my own niche market’ happened too. That is, creating acrylic wall art on canvas as mentioned, through ‘commissions’ to show off a historic love story or recreate that special event/moment by creating visual gift to surprise someone. This is a way to buy something original (you simply can’t buy it anywhere) and lasts a lifetime in your home or someone else's. My website has featured some under ‘the commissions’ page. I always hope to inspire others to give ‘art a go’ and see where it’ll take you on a visual fabulous journey.
February 2023 saw my second anniversary blossom through being invited to the international trade show, ‘Life InStyle’. Many knew potential buyers, designers and home stylists came to discuss a range of my work and this has increased my exposure and adaptability in both Australia and New Zealand. I look forward to maintaining these customers this year and aim to exhibit again next year.
In 2023, I came third in the Mosman Photographic Awards for my photograph, Dusk Paddle (Balmoral Landscape Scene). This was from hundreds of entries nationally.
Thankyou for reading my art story and I hope to have you as an art lover of my work one day!