The past season has been one of deep reflection, creative vulnerability, and joyful expression, with my work featured in two very different but equally meaningful exhibitions. Each show invited a unique response – one rooted in advocacy and hope, the other in celebration and tradition – and together they represent the breadth of my current creative practice.
Today, I’m sharing the stories behind these works, the intentions that shaped them, and what it meant to place such personal pieces into public spaces.
Exhibition One: Art for Change
Launceston Library | 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
The Art for Change exhibition was held at Launceston Library as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – a powerful global campaign calling for awareness, education, and action.
The exhibition brief invited artists to create a “future you” person – a representation of what we hope for ourselves, our communities, and the world ahead.
My first piece focused on envisioning a future version of myself grounded in safety, confidence, and self-worth. It was shaped by the idea that imagining a future is, in itself, an act of resistance and hope – especially for those who have lived through violence or trauma.
Words I Wish I Had Heard
My second piece was deeply personal: a canvas decorated with butterflies and carefully chosen quotes – words I would have loved to have heard during the time I was in a domestic violence situation.
Butterflies, often symbols of transformation and resilience, became a visual anchor for this work. The quotes were selected to offer gentleness, validation, and strength – not just for my past self, but for anyone standing in front of the piece who might need encouragement.
My hope is that this work offered:
- A moment of recognition
- A sense of being seen and believed
- Courage to imagine something more
If even one person felt less alone because of it, then the work has done what it needed to do.
Exhibition Two: Christmas Traditions Near & Far
George Town Council Pop-up Christmas Exhibition
Jim Mooney Gallery, George Town
The second exhibition invited a completely different creative energy. Hosted by the George Town Council, the Pop-up Christmas Exhibition explored the theme:
“Christmas Traditions Near & Far invites you to share what the festive season means to you, whether it is a family ritual, a cultural celebration, or a local tradition that brings people together.”
For this exhibition, I leaned into playfulness, whimsy, and visual joy, creating two framed acrylic works titled A Whimsy Christmas.
A Whimsy Christmas – Green
The first piece features a green palette knife–painted background, rich with texture and movement, layered with two silver reindeer. The work reflects the magic and quiet wonder that often accompanies the festive season – moments of pause, sparkle, and imagination.
A Whimsy Christmas – Red
The second piece uses a red palette knife–painted background, bold and festive, paired with a silver whimsical branch adorned with black and silver decorations. This work celebrates the decorative rituals of Christmas — trimming branches, hanging ornaments, and creating spaces that feel warm and inviting.
Together, these pieces speak to Christmas as a time of creativity, tradition, and small moments of joy — whether celebrated loudly or quietly.
Holding Space for Both Healing and Celebration
What struck me most about exhibiting these works so close together was how clearly they reflect the dual nature of my creative practice.
Art can be:
- A tool for advocacy and healing
- A space for softness and celebration
- A bridge between lived experience and shared connection
From deeply emotional storytelling to festive whimsy, both exhibitions reminded me that creativity doesn’t need to fit neatly into one box – it simply needs to be honest.
What’s Next in the Creative Den
These exhibitions have left me feeling both grounded and inspired. New ideas are already forming, shaped by reflection, courage, and a desire to keep telling stories that matter – whether they speak to survival, tradition, or everyday magic.
Thank you for being here and for supporting art that holds space for truth, transformation, and joy.