An enormous thank you to everyone who travelled from near and far to attend the opening of my solo exhibition at @qdosartslorne on Sunday. To be joined by so many wonderful souls—on the first day of summer, under an auspicious new moon—felt deeply symbolic. It was as though the universe had quietly conspired to offer the perfect moment for this body of work to be revealed.

This exhibition marks a significant chapter in my creative journey. While my earlier works drew heavily on imagined Shanshui-inspired dreamscapes—idealised interpretations of mountain and water landscapes—these new paintings are firmly rooted in the physical terrain of the Otways. Each piece references places I’ve returned to again and again: the fern-lined creeks, misty gullies, mossy rocks and wind-hewn cliffs along the Great Ocean Road. Though my studio is based in Melbourne, my spirit remains closely tethered to this Gadabanud and Wadawurrung country I’ve loved since childhood visits to Moggs Creek.

The paintings were created with the intention of holding space—quiet space. Much like the scrolls, screens, and sacred objects that inspire my visual language, these pieces are intended to be more than just viewed. They are, in essence, sadhanas: devotional tools for deep listening, mindfulness, and meditation. As forms emerge—waves, clouds, ravines, summits—they gently dissolve again into fields of light. These illuminated expanses invite viewers beyond the physical world toward an essence, a spacious luminescence, where thoughts and emotions give way to stillness.

To see people stand with the work in quiet reflection, to hear your stories, interpretations and meditative responses—it has meant the world. The conversations that have flowed—so full of insight and soul—affirm that these pieces are doing what they were intended to do: offering a moment of pause and reconnection with the natural world, and perhaps, with something more subtle still.

Thank you to Graeme Wilkie and the Qdos team for your generosity and vision, and to my partner Tim Howden for your boundless support and care throughout the process. And thank you—all of you—for your open-hearted presence and for receiving the work with such tenderness.

After two years of dreaming these paintings into existence, it brings an incredible sense of relief and fulfilment to see them hanging, held by the serene architecture of Qdos and embraced by such thoughtful viewers. With the show now open, I feel a deep exhale—and deep gratitude.

Time now for a celebratory toast and a slow meal beneath the trees, before welcoming more of you to the gallery over the coming weeks.

Opening Speech

For those of you who were unable to get to the opening, I thought I’d share the opening speech:

Welcome everyone, and thank you for traveling from near and far to be here today to help celebrate the completion of this new series of paintings.

I’d like to start by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land we’re gathered on and the locations depicted in this exhibition.

I also want to thank Graeme and Gillian for hosting this show in such a stunning space—Qdos feels like the perfect setting to display this series of Otway landscapes, especially as both Graeme and I share a love of Japanese design and aesthetics.

Today, instead of diving into my artistic background or the deeper themes behind the work (which you can read in the artist’s statement in the printed catalogue), I want to focus on the overall intention of creating these works - and that is - to celebrate the beauty of Lorne and its surroundings.

The Great Ocean Road, a jewel of Victoria, has been beloved for over a century, and Lorne—known for its beaches, relaxed vibe, and proximity to the Otways—holds a special place in many hearts.

My connection to this area spans decades, from childhood escapes to Moggs, magical holidays with loved ones, and countless hikes through the Otway Ranges.

This landscape has always been a place of renewal for me— a haven to heal and reconnect when life becomes overwhelming. The saltwater, the forest air, and the rugged beauty of this region offer an unmatched solace.

On a personal note, and many of you know, my darling sister Kate also loved this part of the world… especially as her bestie, the gorgeous Anna Parmenter lives in Lorne (and is here today!) When Kate lost her battle to breast cancer two years ago, the quest to find solace and healing called me to this part of the world again and again.

It’s here that I feel close to my beloved sister, I feel connected to the heavens, I feel connected to myself and connected to the perfectly orchestrated web of life that we’re all a part of.

The locations featured in this series were chosen not just for their personal significance, but because they resonate with so many of us.

This exhibition is for everyone with a connection to this remarkable part of the world—whether you live here, holiday here, or are simply passing through.

As you explore the gallery today, I hope these works spark memories of your own experiences and deepen your appreciation for the breathtaking beauty we’re so fortunate to have on our doorstep.

Thank you for being here to share this celebration.

Exhibition Opening

Opening Speech

Qdos Exhibition

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