Cosmic Connection

This piece is about expressing the wonder and awe felt when connecting to the cosmos, understanding it's creation and humanity's interaction with it. I'm not just talking about the stars and galaxies but everything - from the smallest particle to the greatest majesties of nature.

In developing a relationship with our surroundings - using experience and direct perception rather than our ideas about something - you experience the world differently and appreciate every aspect of it. You nurture your sense of wonder, becoming re-enchanted with nature. Your compassion, empathy, and heart connections expand. Cosmic Connection blends concepts of nature (the physical) and spirit (the mystical) together to create a sense of the ‘whole’ and that we are all interconnected; created by the same matter that created our earth, solar system and universe.

The nebula to the right is inspired by a tiny section of the Lobster Nebula, also known as NGC 6357 near the constellation Scorpius. The nebula contains many proto-stars shielded by dark discs of gas, and young stars wrapped in expanding "cocoons" or expanding gases surrounding these small stars.

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I am blessed with being able to work full-time as a professional artist in my studio at GIGS Artists' Studios, Gateway Village, Wodonga. Although I have exhibited regularly I am always exploring new avenues including murals, some of which I've completed locally and abroad.

Two of my great passions in life are the environment and painting. Through painting I question our role in relation with nature as I seek to spread the awareness that the natural world is threatened both directly by human abuse and indirectly by overpopulation. It is obvious that we – modern society – have become increasingly detached from nature and in order to secure a place for future generations (all species alike) it is vital that we tune ourselves in with the environment and regain greater awareness of our planet and thus take better responsibility of it.

I have the belief that artists and art-making has the potential to point out the importance of environmental integrity – through speaking to emotion and passion for nature. Admiration for nature is intrinsic for all of us, yet it is something we deny or neglect through day-to-day living. As artists, we have the capability to connect with society and direct public attention. My work is intended to inspire change that may help sustain a healthy planet.