Rita Bila

I am a new resident of the a Mid North coast, travelling here to experience it's stunning natural environments for over 9 years. Last year I decided to make this area my new home. I was delighted to find here such a creative community that gave me the confidence that as an artist that I will be surrounded by like minded people. Over the years I've found myself connecting with local artists and participating in a local Pop-up Gallery to support artists during COVID lockdowns, and have shown my work in the Lake View Gallery in Pacific Palms.

Last year I also submitted and exhibited with other semi finalists for the NAS Club Foundation Prize. I love the gallery and the exhibitions that are shown here and am exhilarated to be involved with artists in the area. Newcastle and it's surrounding areas, of which I have quickly become embedded in, offers a range of experiences, from hard edged industrial spaces to the sublime experience of the natural environment. My work has thus developed further toward the expression of this unique experience and has given me a rich source of material for my work which is based on the natural environment and the forces of nature.

I feel a strong sense of belonging here after being warmly welcomed by an accepting, discerning and engaged group of NAS in particular, who give artists and creatives many opportunities to come together and celebrate the strength of their stories and creativity. I look forward to further engagement and participation in the near future.