Blog

As a Community Advocate for the Australian South Sea Islanders Port Jackson I am excited to annouce the soft launch of SugarFest 2020, a festival of Oceanic Culture, History and Music.  Supported by the City of Sydney, I will be running embroidery workshops over the next three years to develop projects that will help ASSI gain greater recognition in our community as a distinct cultural group.

After the Yumi Olgeta:Crafting a More Inclusive Democracy Workshop at the Museum of Australian democracy at Old Parliament House, Canberra held on ...

An overview of the powerful Yumi Olgeta: Crafting a More Inclusive Democracy workshop that was held on Saturday 17th August at the Museum Of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Canberra.  It was a true honour to be involved in this unique event combining hands-on chain stitch embroidery tuition and conversation about Australia's Slave Trade History.

My drawing titled 'An Accumulation of Blessings' has been completed and will soon be donated to the Embroiderers Guild, Victoria as part of their 60th Birthday Celebrations in 2020.

My quilt block from the United Declaration of Human Rights Quilt Project was featured on the front of Old Parliament House in Canberra as part of the Enlighten Festival, 2019.

My artwork was selected in the 2019 St Kevin's Art Show from 25-27th May.  An outstanding collection of contemporary Australian art for exhibition and sale.

My first textile protest banner designed to be part of Tal Fitzpatrick's public art exhibition during Six Moments in Kingston Bus Tour in May 2019. Curated by David Cross and Cameron Bishop to celebrate the history of the City of Kingston, Melbourne.

On Saturday 8th December 2018 I flew to Canberra to visit the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.  I attended a two hour workshop with Royal School of Needlework alumna Rebecca Ray at the United Declaration of Human Rights Quilt Project Exhibition.  I also toured the museum itself.  It was a fascinating and enriching experience.  Photos and information are included here.

An article about how to find art and artists we love. It stresses the importance of buying from local artists and encourages you to go on a journey that could lead to the expression of your true potential.   It also explores why it is so important to listen to the heart when buying art and how a purchase impacts the artist and their practice.

Announcing a four page feature article in Down Under Textiles, Edition 34, Nov/Dec 2018, p.73-76. It is titled 'A Long Search For My True Voice' and it outlines the journey I took to find my signature style as an artist. In leading Australian newsagencies and on-line now.

A growing list of books, on-line resources and films about Australia's slave history and frontier conflict.  These have been helpful on my art research journey to challenge the myth that Australia was settled peacefully.  "Why didn't I learn this in school?" I have asked myself. This question has led to an ongoing search for the truth about my nation's violent past and its impact today.

My second Art Research Trip will be to Townsville, Queensland on 20-23 July 2018.  I will explore the landscape and make some art in response to it.  I also hope to meet some descendants of Blackbirding and visit some important sites to broaden my knowledge and understanding of this important history.