How do you start in your creative practice? 

I often start with a blank canvas in front of me and then go for it. I start creating. I try different brush strokes. I am not a planner and like to paint spontaneously, in the moment. I read what is emerging from the painting and respond. I love to see the colours and shapes interact and am constantly surprised by what emerges. When I need to de-stress, I still like to paint my lifelong favourite subject matter, Donald Duck. 

I also like to be inspired by visiting galleries such as the Art Gallery of NSW and studying artists, such as Arthur Streeton’s landscape style. I was particularly moved by Wassily Kandinsky’s use of colour and line in his abstract work. I try to experiment with other artists’ techniques and use of colour and then adapt and use them to inform my own creative style. I have an idea or see inspiration and wonder how it has been achieved, and I question the methods that artists might have used.

I'd love to learn more about your experiences as an artist with cerebral palsy. If you're comfortable sharing, what are some of the unique challenges you’ve encountered in your creative journey, and how have they shaped your work?

In the past there were few accessible art classes. I had to attend classes that were designed for people living with all kinds of disabilities. The teacher dominated those who attended, and everyone had to get the same result. In the past, before the NDIS, I could only attend one art class a week for three hours. This was the only time a community transport organisation could take me. It was the only class available in the local area that I was allowed to attend. 

I would have to wait for this small window, once a week, to create. I needed someone to provide practical support- for example getting the paint out, and helping me set up water jars etc. However, the volunteer helpers would also need to support several other members of the class. This would mean I would have to wait for assistance, until they were available to help. I would just sit and smile and hope they came to me soon. Sometimes I would even try and do it myself. I would get ignored or told I was being impatient.

A real difference to my process came when I received NDIS funding. I started to work with a whole bunch of creatives who work as my Disability Support Workers. I have been able to develop many skills, techniques and work in different mediums because they, as fellow artists, understand the importance of my creative process and support me to learn to sew, knit, dance, paint in different ways and mediums, draw and sculpt. I could not do what I do without their inspiration and enthusiastic, wonderful input.

For over ten years I have been working and collaborating with art teacher and mentor artist, Allison Pitt. I have learned so many skills and techniques and possibilities from her. She has inspired me to develop and find new ways to explore and express myself through my art. I consider myself very lucky to have found her to work with because working collaboratively has been a joy. The process of bouncing ideas off one another is so rewarding as we think through, exchange and build on each other's ideas. She also challenges me when I resort to formulaic and strong old habitual ways.

One aspect of my cerebral palsy is when someone commissions me to create something “realistic”. I discovered I can go through a whole eraser just waiting for my hand to create the line that is perfect for what I want, so it will look like my subject's eye or mouth. I can take ten times as long to draw realistically - but it can be very rewarding. On the other hand, the unique gestures that sometimes erupt as a result of my CP - can be magical. The marks that are created seem to be full of life, originality and vitality.

You were the recipient of a 2024/25 Arts and Creativity Grant. What did this grant mean to you and your project Me and my shadows? How did you utilize the grant money awarded?

I had always longed to be a part of a theatrical production but had not so far had the opportunity. It took my art mentor Allison and I months to write our application and when our play “Me and My Shadows” (a multimedia production based on Goethe's ‘Faust’) received the funding, I was ecstatic. I can still remember the moment I opened the email and got the notification and read the amount. It meant we were now in a position to be able to put on this original and challenging play. 

With the help of the grant, I could now be part of a mainstream production and act on stage with other creatives, assist the director and be the treasurer. This really boosted my confidence that I had the opportunity to experience performing on stage; to take directions as we tried different dance moves and ways of entering into the space, saying lines, reactions, learning cues and rehearsing with other actors. My dream came true.

I played the Black Dog, with a specially designed huge costume that went over my wheelchair and was created by two professional costume designers. I also played Margaret, who Henry, the main character, ‘does wrong’. I felt it was important to show what can be possible when a person living with a disability has been ‘blind cast’. 

The whole experience was amazing and made possible by the funding and donations we received. 

We also received in-kind support from Kamaroi School, to use their beautiful hall for a peppercorn rent, which allowed us to pour all our resources into purchasing the lights we needed for the unique coloured shadow work, that were reflected onto huge silk screens, symbolising the main character’s change of consciousness and the entering of different magical ‘realms’. We also used the grant money for costumes, the reprinting of the script as it was revised and were able to pay some of our professional cast. We also commissioned local composer Joseph K to write and perform his stunning original music to support the play. 

What’s the next project or goal you’re looking towards?

● I am currently working on a Splash series exploring the transparency and the freedom of inks.

● Allison and I are working choreographing and then filming a dance routine as part of Hope, an event at Randwick later in the year where I will wear 2 meter wings I have hand-painted on silk. 

● I am looking to fundraise for “Wheelchairs for Kids”.

● I am hoping to work with a local Dee Why business, who may commission me to create some painting for some large blank walls. 

● Continuing to help with the editing of the film of the play Me and My Shadows.