I’ve been going to Merewether Beach once a week for the plein air painting for more than 10 years.
Every morning, the beach and nature show different faces and expresses different emotions.
This painting is part of my “World of Blue” series, which I commenced in February 2025. It was inspired by some pictures taken by my friend Hari Ho in Morocco. He took a series of photos in a town where the people only use the colour blue on the outside of their houses, on the walls and the staircases.
I was overwhelmed by the power of a single colour range and the emotion it can evoke. I decided to limit my beach scene palate to only blues. This is in stark contrast to the warmer tones of young swimmer’s swimming suits and skin colour. I hope to convey the happy energy of young swimmers in this bigger world of blue.
I initially trained in Japanese ceramics and used to decorate pots with traditional brushwork techniques. After I moved to Australia, I taught myself to draw and paint by doing an artwork a day from 2019 until around 2024. Now I take more time with each work to finish but paint every day.
In 2024 I received a Highly Commended Award at Hunter Emerging Art Prize. I also had a solo exhibition at the Straitjacket Art Space (Broadmeadow). I regularly participate in group shows at Straitjacket, Onwards, NAS and the Lock-Up, as part of this year’s Collect 2025. I have had two joint exhibitions at the Back to Back Gallery in Cooks Hill, in 2024 and 2025, with ceramicist Karen Wells.