What an Incredibly Rewarding and Fulfilling Year!

Every December, I take time to reflect on the past year and plan for the one ahead. I look at upcoming projects, workshops, teaching, volunteering, and building connections. When I was planning for 2024 last year, I never anticipated just how rewarding it would turn out to be.

The year began with a trip to Canberra in February to gather research for a body of work that would become Neath the Vast Open Sky, exhibited at Grainger Gallery in October (view the work here). It was an incredibly enriching journey to our nation’s capital, where I was captivated by its unique flora and vast landscapes. This experience inspired a new suite of works, with several verses emerging that shaped the work titles. My inner Banjo Paterson was unleashed, and I truly enjoyed the experience of writing poetry alongside my visual practice.

Following this was the opening of the LiddellWORKS residency project, the culmination of over 12 months of work with 12 artists coming together for a remarkable exhibition across two regional galleries—Muswellbrook and Singleton. I even found myself in front of the camera, being interviewed by ABC, finally confronting my stage fright. The LiddellWORKS project was an incredible experience, and I feel so fortunate to have taken part in this residency (more information here). A huge thank you to Arts Upper Hunter for supporting this project!

A Return to Italy

In June, I returned to my beloved artist residency, La Macina di San Cresci, Italy. It had been eight years since my last visit, and I was welcomed back like a lost family member. The experience was humbling and deeply rewarding. As I sit here, I struggle to find the right words to express my gratitude for my time at La Macina. My heartfelt thanks go to Mimma, Duccio, and Elizabeth for their hospitality.

Painting en plein air at La Macina Di San Cresci

Exhibiting at Grainger Gallery

The moment I returned from Italy, it was all systems go preparing for my exhibition at Grainger Gallery. I’m thrilled with the outcome and so grateful to Kacy and Richard Grainger for their enthusiasm and support.

Work of Art Showcase & Symposium

November brought yet another incredible experience—the Work of Art Showcase and Symposium. This three-day event was filled with workshops, round-table discussions, panel talks, exhibitions, collaborations, and the opportunity to meet wonderful creative women from regional areas, all set in the beautiful town of Orange!

How often do creatives get the chance to experience something like this? It was truly one of a kind. This event marked the culmination of an 18-month project with Regional Arts NSW, organized by Dr. Tracey Cullinan OAM. Nearly two years ago, I applied for this project and was fortunate to be accepted alongside over 60 women from regional New South Wales. What followed were numerous Zoom meetings, business coaching, mentoring, and lectures. This initiative was truly groundbreaking, and I feel grateful to be part of history in the making. A sincere thank you to Tracey, Edna, the RADOs, and the team at RAN for making it all happen.

Looking Ahead to 2025

And now, here we are in December again—where did the year go? I’m once again planning for the year ahead and wondering, how can I possibly top this one?

I already have some exciting projects lined up, including a collaboration with Maitland Regional Art Gallery and an exhibition in the USA, which I’m super excited about!

Thank you for following along on my journey. Wishing you a wonderful 2025—I can’t wait to see what the new year brings!

Yours in art,

Bec x

2024 Round Up