Reflecting on 2023: Painting My Story of Art, Identity, and Inspiration

Welcome to my end-of-year reflection! As we close the chapter on 2023, I invite you on a journey through a year marked by artistic growth, pivotal changes, and the anticipation of new horizons.

This year has been a whirlwind of exhibitions, academic pursuits, and significant life transitions. It was a year that led me to new people, places, and opportunities.

January to February - Early Ventures and Connections

Merry-Go-Round (top centre) on display at Brunswick Street Gallery.

The year kicked off with a remarkable start at the Brunswick Street Gallery’s Small Works Art Prize. This event, showcasing a diverse range of art forms, was not just an exhibition for me, but a reawakening. Among over a thousand pieces, my artwork, "Merry-Go-Round," claimed its place, marking my return to the art scene after a significant hiatus.

My visit to Unique State Art Space transformed into something more when I met Elaine. Her passion for art, especially printmaking, resonated with me. She introduced me to the Make an Impression artist development program, and it felt like the stars aligned, guiding me back to my artistic path.

Elaine's role as the owner of Unique State and her artistic practice profoundly influenced my year. Under her mentorship, I explored new printmaking techniques and connected with a community of creatives. This was not just learning; it was a journey of professional and personal growth.

This early part of the year was transformative. Seeing my work at the gallery and engaging with Unique State rekindled my confidence and reconnected me with the art community. It was a period of embracing new opportunities and laying the foundation for a year of exploration and growth.

April - Expanding Horizons

My Halfway Print Fest Stall

April's journey began with my participation in the Halfway Print Fest at Thirsty Crow Brewery, celebrating zines and DIY culture. This vibrant event allowed me to showcase my original prints, paintings, and debut zines, “I'm not Broken, I'm Autistic” and “Kenner Blythe.” My highlights included connecting with local and interstate artists, selling prints, and swapping zines with other enthusiasts.

Additionally, I contributed 'Breaking Through The Mask,' a triptych acrylic piece about my autism diagnosis, to the 9x5 Exhibition. This piece, symbolising self-awareness, enabled me to reach a broader audience and cement my place in the arts community. The experience of exhibiting outside Wagga Wagga offered exposure to a broader audience and further affirmed my position in the wider arts community.

Make and Impression at Curios Rabbit

Another highlight was the Make an Impression exhibition at Curious Rabbit Cafe, where I showcased my lino prints and drypoint etchings. My work, particularly 'Curtains,' featured on promotional materials, allowed me to introspect and hone my artistic voice, enhancing my visibility and connections within the art community.

April was a month of embracing new artistic directions and deepening my exploration of personal identity. Through the Halfway Print Fest, I connected with a vibrant community of creatives, while the 9x5 and Make an Impression exhibitions allowed me to share more profound aspects of my journey. These experiences were instrumental in broadening my artistic scope and enhancing my visibility in the art world. They reinforced the importance of community, collaboration, and the power of art to communicate personal narratives.

June - Academic and Professional Milestones

A silly celebration!

June was a defining month, marking my acceptance into the Masters in Therapeutic Arts Practice program at MIECAT Institute. This course is designed to deeply explore the field of art therapy. It combines theoretical learning with experiential practice, focusing on developing a keen understanding of the therapeutic relationship.

After a 14-year career in education, venturing into art therapy represents a significant shift. This program aligns perfectly with my aspirations to merge my passion for art with the desire to help others. It’s an exciting step towards a career that embodies my creative drive and commitment to making a difference.

June also saw the launch of my website – a digital canvas showcasing my artistic journey and creations. Designed to reflect my brand, the website features a portfolio of my work, and this blog captures my thoughts and experiences.

June was a month of substantial growth. The acceptance into the art therapy program was a step towards blending my artistic flair with therapeutic practice. Meanwhile, launching my website marked a pivotal moment in my professional journey, providing a platform to share my work and connect with a broader audience. These milestones are not just about professional advancement but also about personal evolution, marking a transition to a more fulfilling and creatively driven career.

July - Significant Life Changes

July was marked by an inspiring community project at Wagga Wagga Marketplace. The new children's playground became a canvas for 'In Our Backyard,' a mural celebrating the region's creative diversity. Over 60 artists, including myself, contributed to this Unique State Artspace-curated project.

'In Our Backyard’ mural installed at the Wagga Wagga Marketplace

I chose to etch the Southern Bell Frog, an emblematic yet endangered local species, symbolising our regional narrative and the urgent need to protect local biodiversity. Through dry-point etching and hand-colouring, I brought this vibrant creature to life, facing challenges and adapting techniques along the way.

This project deepened my connection to our local environment and community. It was a reminder of our collective responsibility towards preserving our natural heritage.

Being part of this collective artistic endeavour fostered a sense of pride and belonging. It highlighted the role of art in community building and enhancing public spaces.

July also brought about a significant and emotional decision – to leave my 14-year teaching career. What began as a journey filled with passion and fulfilment gradually became a path of overwhelming demands and disillusionment.

A farewell card from a student.

Realising the growing conflict between my aspirations as an educator and the system's limitations, I found myself at a crossroads. It was a period of deep introspection, weighing my values against the realities of the profession. Deciding to step away from teaching was fraught with mixed emotions – apprehension about the unknown, sadness for leaving a familiar field, yet a burgeoning sense of excitement for a new chapter.

This decision is a step towards aligning my career with my core passions. It's a commitment to melding my educational experience with my artistic and therapeutic pursuits.

July was transformative, marking both an end and a beginning. My contribution to the Marketplace mural symbolises my transition towards community-centric art projects. Leaving teaching while challenging, sets the stage for a future rich in possibilities – one where I can unite my artistic skills with my passion for therapy and community engagement.

These significant life changes are about professional shifts and personal evolution – a journey towards realising a more integrated and fulfilling future.

August to November - Recognition and Academic Success

‘Masked in Blue: The Autistic Dissolve’ my entry for the Artful Prize

My journey from August to November was marked by participation in the Artful Prize, a unique collaboration between Achieve Australia and Accessible Arts. Embracing the philosophy that art is for everyone, the Artful Prize aims to celebrate diverse creative expressions. My entry, "Masked in Blue: The Autistic Dissolve," was a mixed-media piece that delved into the complexities of Autistic masking. Through this artwork, I aimed to highlight the emotional strain of conforming to neurotypical standards, using dominant blue tones to depict a world of melancholy and tension.

November brought a special opportunity with Unique State's first print exchange, coinciding with its first anniversary. My contribution was a monoprint of a birthday still life inspired by the Women's Weekly Children's Birthday Cake Book, a nostalgic and playful theme that diverged from my usual subjects. Contributing to Unique State's anniversary celebration, I was part of a collective effort that strengthened my ties with the local art community.

During these months, I achieved a notable academic milestone in my Art Therapy program at MIECAT Institute. The "Engaging with Materials" unit was particularly significant, culminating in a graded assignment for which I received a Distinction. This achievement was not just an academic success but also a validation of my creative approach and understanding of the therapeutic properties of art materials.

These months were pivotal in shaping my future aspirations. The recognition from the Artful Prize and the Unique State print exchange and my academic success have bolstered my confidence in my artistic and therapeutic abilities. Going forward, I aim to further explore the intersection of personal experience and creative expression, utilising these insights in therapeutic settings.

December - Anticipation for the Future

Hands at work…

As the year draws to a close, I find myself standing at the threshold of an exhilarating new chapter. This December, I received news that marks a significant milestone in my artistic journey.

Without revealing too much, I can share that this opportunity represents a dream finally taking shape.

This news is a culmination of the year's efforts, learnings, and experiences. Every step has been leading to this moment. It reflects my commitment to not just creating art but living it – fully and authentically.

As I prepare to unveil this exciting new chapter in the new year, I invite you to join me on this journey. Stay tuned for updates and sneak peeks along the way.

As we look back on the transformative moments of 2023, each brushstroke and decision paving the way towards a future brimming with artistic potential, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead. The anticipation for the big reveal in the coming year is not just mine but ours to share.

I invite you to join me in this anticipation. What are your guesses or hopes for what this big reveal might be? Feel free to share your thoughts and excitement in the comments below. Let's dream together about the possibilities that await!

And, of course, I'd love to hear about your journeys this year. What milestones have you celebrated? What challenges have you navigated and overcome? Your stories are a source of inspiration and a reminder of the shared experiences that connect us all.

Share your stories, speculations, and excitement in the comments. Let's end this year with a sense of community and shared anticipation for the wonderful things to come!