What an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling year this has been!

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

Painting at Urambi, view to the Bullen Ranges

2024 began with a trip to Canberra in February to gather research for a body of work that would become “Neath the Vast Open Sky’, which was exhibited at Grainger Gallery in October (view the work here). It was an incredibly rewarding journey to our nation's capital, where I was witness to its unique flora and vistas. This inspired a new suite of works, with several verses emerging that shaped the work titles. My inner Banjo Paterson was unleashed, and I really enjoyed the experience of writing poetry.

Following this was the opening of LiddellWORKS residency project. This project was the culmination of a 12+ months work with 12 artists coming together for a remarkable exhibition over two regional galleries – Muswellbrook and Singleton. I found myself in front of the camera being interviewed by the ABC and finally confronted my stage fright. The LiddellWORKS project was an incredible experience, and I felt so fortunate to take part in the residency. More information can be found here. Thank you Arts Upper Hunter for support in this project.

Installation photo Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre

Painting in the Italian countryside at La Macina

In June I found myself at La Macina di San Cresci my beloved artist residency in Italy. It had been eight years since I had last visited, and I was welcomed back like a lost family member. The experience was humbling and very rewarding. As I sit here, I’m lost for words in trying to express my deep appreciation for my experience at La Macina and send my gratitude to Mimma, Duccio and Elizabeth for their hospitality. For more information read my blog here.

The moment I came home from Italy it was all systems go in preparation for the exhibition at Grainger Gallery. I am thrilled with the outcome of the exhibition and thank Kacy and Richard Grainger for their enthusiasm. The entire experience can be read here in my blog.

Opening night at Grainger Gallery with Richard and Kacy Grainger

And we now come to November where I was privileged to take part in a very special event, Work of Art Showcase and Symposium. The three day event was filled with workshops, roundtable discussions, panel discussions, 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 have the opportunity to experience something like this? It was a truly unique experience. This event marked the culmination of an 18-month project with Regional Arts NSW, and organised by Dr Tracey Cullinan OAM. Nearly two years ago, I applied for the project and was thankfully accepted, along with over 60 women from regional New South Wales. Numerous Zoom meetings followed, with business coaching, mentoring and lectures. It was a one-of-a-kind project, and I’m grateful to be part of history in the making. A sincere thank you to Tracey, Edna, RADOs and the staff at RAN.

Some of the wonderfully creative women of Work Of Art program

It's already December again, where did the year go? I’m once again looking at the year ahead and wondering if I can top this one! I’ve already got an exciting project lined up with Maitland Regional Art Gallery and an exhibition in the USA, which I’m super excited about it.

Thanks for following along on my journey. Wishing you a wonderful 2025,I can’t wait to see you there!

Yours in art

Bec x

2024 Round Up