Q: What were some of the foundation ideas for this exhibition project?

A: The light crept in has been years in the making and it was centred around the key painting the days became brighter that I made as the Melbourne COVID-19 lockdowns ended, which is now part of the Art Gallery of Ballarat collection. From that starting point I wanted to create an immersive experience that described the relief, happiness and warmth it felt to be back in the world and able to be with our friends and loved ones again.

Q: How did the artwork selection take place?

 A: The show evolved over that time. After the painting was my starting point, and wanting to create this lightness and warmth it gave me the idea to use glass as a medium to describe those feelings. So that led to a six-month project with the Canberra Glass works to create totally new artworks. It was quite a challenge! The prints and ceramics and wallpaper all developed over this time period. Most of my shows are about the sum of the whole, and this one especially so. The materials used were very important to create a sense of fragility, wonder, gratitude and beauty.

Q: How does the exhibition manifest – what do visitors experience?

 A: The aim is to have a feeling of warmth – The light crept in – in the pink room and the monochromatic ceramic room to feel more fragile and precarious. My aim is to have an honest conversation with the audience about the darkness and light within us, and the times we are living. One can find beauty in both worlds, and we must seek out the ‘wins’ so to speak. To have gratitude for the everyday wonder of nature and freedom.

Q: What is it about the printmaking experience that you most appreciate?

 A: Although there are only three prints in this show, they are quite crucial to the balance of the rooms, and I am especially proud of these works. But if you look closer you will also see printmaking is in every aspect of my work, it always has been. The painting uses paper spray stencilling, the drawing is based upon etched prints, the ceramics that I make with artist Neville French has engraved and carved lines, or a soft ground type line work in others. In the glass is also line engraving, all techniques that derive from my printmaking foundations. I am a printmaker through and through, but you might need to search a bit harder to see it! I appreciate mark making, the incidental and experimental qualities that printmaking has always afforded me. And those qualities I try to bring into all my work, regardless of the medium.

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The light crept in is at The Art Gallery of Ballarat, 40 Lydiard St N, Ballarat, until 11 August. www.artgalleryofballarat.com.au

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