Art Career Beginnings

I graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2006 with a Bachelor of Fine Art Honours and began a Master of Philosophy (Research) in 2007. My research investigates past and present exhibition practices and theories surrounding the circulation of non-western art objects, in particular bark paintings, as markers of Indigenous identity.

I am currently employed at the Newcastle Art Gallery where I am involved in the building redevelopment program.

My Jennie Thomas Travelling Scholarship Experience

In 2006 I was awarded the Jennie Thomas Travelling Art Scholarship enabling me to travel to Yirrkala, Arnhem Land where I attended the Garma cultural festival and visited major art centres. This allowed me to make valuable contacts while deepening my understanding of the history and cultural complexities evident in the production and exhibition of bark painting from this area. The significance of this experience became apparent in 2009 while curating Stone Country – Saltwater, a Newcastle Art Gallery exhibition of bark paintings from Arnhem Land which included artworks from the Newcastle Art Gallery collection and private collections across the country.

Beyond The Scholarship

More recently I have been involved in a comprehensive audit of the Newcastle Art Gallery collection and my future plans include continued study and ongoing employment in the arts industry.