Thanks Mr Kookaburra

For a couple of months tragedy surrounded us, culminating with my Father in law being in ICU.
The depth and weight of all that was happening meant we had to, as a family, find a way through. We went to the beach, and on bush walks, we had dinner out, we found ways to find joy in the small things: I call them microjoys. To see flowers popping up in the garden, birds all around. Seeing beauty in small things, helped us to get through the hardest things.
This beautiful kookaburra was on one of our walks, and it just kindly sat and let me walk up close and take its photo. So thanks Mr Kookaburra for allowing me to preserve a micro joy.

This one is quite different for me, as I literally blobbed and squelched paint over the canvas, like a child. I still don’t quite know how I feel about it, but it allowed freedom and healing to come as I ripped and pasted fabric, drew squiggles and randomly applied paint.

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Kim’s art is her personal diary; her art is deeply influenced by her everyday life experiences. She would like to highlight the exceptional in the ordinary; to point out and acknowledge the beauty, depth and complexity of this extraordinary planet, often overlooked.

Kim’s various physical and mental health challenges have empowered her to think deeply about life; to delve into what matters, and where and how to find hope in despair.

While realism is a common theme in her art, she enjoys the freedom to be more abstract at times. She uses the term “abstractish”, combining elements of abstract art with detailed or realistic techniques. Additionally, Kim enjoys hiding things or details in her paintings, for those who invest the time to explore her art.

While Kim studied a Bachelor of Applied Science at university, art always held a grip on her. Based on the encouragement of her Year 7 art teacher - “she has something,” Kim, chose art over Latin in her formative years of schooling. In her senior years, she studied advanced art, and contemplated a career as an Art Restorer, but eventually settled on Exercise Physiology; never considering a full-time art career.

After she had her first child, art was a way to process the physical and emotional difficulties life presented. Over time this developed into a way of managing the demands of life.

Since then, her art has developed from personal fulfilment into a career. She acknowledges that this is only possible through the grace of God, and the support and encouragement of her family and friends. Without her husband Daniel (and parents) encouraging her and giving her the space and time to paint, she wouldn’t be able to do this. Without family and friends, who have believed in her, gave advice and those who bought art in the early stages, she wouldn’t be where she is today.

Her art is sold through various online platforms and has now travelled to many states of Australia, and soon America.

Hornsby Hospital has recently commissioned one of her paintings; enlarged and displayed, along with another of her paintings, in the freshly completed 265 million dollar upgrade. A local Public School enjoys one of Kim’s large murals on one of its office buildings, and children are encouraged to find the many animals hidden in the painting. A variety of businesses have commissioned her art to be enjoyed by staff and clients alike.