Sea Country ~ Debut Solo Exhibition
Sea Country was an amazing exhibition, and it marked my first ever solo show. A huge thanks to Pene Riggs for creating the initial connection with Saltwater Freshwater Gallery and making this opportunity possible. Thanks also to the team at Saltwater Freshwater for organising the night — it was truly an evening to remember — and to everyone who bought my work on the opening night. I also need to mention my family, who travelled a fair distance to be there for me; their presence made me very emotional and I am forever grateful.
The exhibition itself was the culmination of months of thinking, experimenting and late nights in the studio. Seeing the pieces arranged together in the gallery, watching visitors move through the space and respond to each work, confirmed for me why I keep making art: to start conversations, to share stories and to connect with others. The feedback I received — questions, reflections and personal memories sparked by the work — was both humbling and energising. It’s one thing to finish a piece and another to witness its life in front of an audience.
I’m also grateful to the fellow artists and friends who came to show their support, offering practical help on the night and company before and after the opening. Their encouragement steadied me when nerves kicked in and their honest observations helped me see the work with fresh eyes. Special thanks to the people who assisted with installation and the technical aspects of the show; the evening ran smoothly because of their care and attention to detail.
This solo show has given me new confidence and a clearer sense of direction for future projects. Seeing the way certain themes resonated with visitors has already informed ideas I want to pursue next. Above all, I feel deeply thankful — for Pene’s introduction, for the Saltwater Freshwater team’s hospitality, for the buyers and visitors who engaged with the work, and for my family and friends whose presence made the opening unforgettable. I look forward to building on this experience and sharing more work in the months ahead.
