I was really excited to hear that my artwork had been chosen to tour with the Wanderlust exhibition, as I felt so passionately about the subject and representing my love for the Queensland landscape as well as relating my own personal history to the land around where I grew up. It gave me a chance to exhibit my work in the city of Brisbane, and, as a regional Central Queensland artist, this was an amazing experience.

Receiving the email to say that I was a finalist meant the world to me, it validated how I felt about myself as an emerging artist and gave me the confidence to continuing to enter Queensland art opportunities.

To other potential entrants I say, just go for it! What you have to gain is far more valuable than what’s to lose! Particularly as a regional artist, I feel that it is important to harness every opportunity you can to grow and learn.

So you know, my work is currently on display in the Rockhampton Art Gallery Counterparts exhibition, as well as the Rockampton Art Gallerie’s Bayton award.

It was a lovely surprise to be selected for Wanderlust. 

As an emerging artist, being selected for this exhibition not only validates my work but also motivates me to continue seeing and interpreting the landscape as I do.

It is exciting and inspiring to know that other people value my perception of my world. It gives my work great exposure and it is an honour to be amongst so many talented Queensland artists.

Being part of Wanderlust has been a warm and enriching experience. I attended the opening event in Brisbane and being in a room full of such creative and generous people was genuinely positive and encouraging!

Since I’ve had my work selected, I have been continuing to explore the colours and textures of the grasses of the Wide Bay area.

My work was selected in both 2013 and 2017. I was very happy to have my work selected. I feel that it is almost like a peer review and if your peers like your work then you must be doing something right!

Being selected to tour and knowing that your work is on show to a different audience is a great confidence boost.

It is a worthwhile experience. It’s a great way to showcase your work and have it hanging beside other wonderful works all joined by a common theme.