My Artwork on the cover, jnside a written piece sharing my experience as an Artist on the Gold Coast, and the Back cover page – featuring “ The Healing Cottage – Palm Beach Remedial Massage Therapy centre – showing one of my paintings in their reception.
Hidden within the Southern Gold Coast lies an intersection of art, culture, and social narratives. Its natural landscapes create an idyllic location that attracts artists such as myself and other cultural producers to live and work. The Gold Coast ARTS scene has flourished in its many forms, becoming a cultural life force for community building, self expression, individual and collective transformation. Nestled between two estuaries, Palm Beach is surrounded by beautiful beaches, littoral forests, koala habitat, and hinterland all rich in biodiversity. As a Palm Beach Artist, when I think of the Gold Coast- Burleigh Headlands and Tallebudgera Estuary come to mind. These iconic landmarks represent the significance of our Traditional custodians – The Yugambeh language People, whilst revealing our diverse natural habitats that form a robust character and history to this beachside haven..
From an artist perspective, I ask myself “how can we as a community sustain more Green Spaces” in our everyday Urban lives, when increasing destruction of our natural habitats in Queensland moves at a rapid pace. This thought led me to make 20 paintings of native flora that grows in our water catchment areas – which we can grow in our gardens, and 7 paintings of endangered native flora of Burleigh Headlands – that we can endeavour to save. Engendering a sense of ownership to foster our own conservation projects at home – through participation in fun recreational, community science and arts activities, all supports preservation of our native flora and fauna. 14 of these floral paintings decorate City Council Water Cabinets, Traffic boxes from Elanora as far north to Yatala.
I am grateful to Gold Coast City Council for the creative funding programs they deliver to locally residing artists. Since 2014, they have invited me to take part in various arts forums, attaining some Public Arts contracts. Attending City of Gold Coast Council facilitated Arts Events has provided stand-out moments to meet, network with other emerging, leading artists and Industry professionals.
The overall vibe I get from the Gold Coast Arts Sector is welcoming, diversely inclusive, informative, supportive and innovative. I encourage artists of all forms to follow Gold Coast Arts and Culture on Facebook for upcoming Arts opportunities and events. For guidance – Contact the Arts & Culture Team , they are a friendly approachable crew of Talented Artists in their own right. If you want to push your creative edge – get involved, take part, and have fun! There’s plenty of room for everyone.
Arts &Culture Team – Ph: 07 5582 9258 Email: cultural@goldcoast.qld.gov.au
Places I Go…
Take your Easel or Camera
•Tallebdugera Beach ,Creek & Estuary -Palm Beach
•Burleigh Headlands National Park
•Tarrabora Reserve – Palm Beach
•Currumbin Estuary & Beach
Museums
• Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre – Burleigh Heads
• Surf Museum – Currumbin
Gallery/Studios
•Dust Temple – Currumbin
•Mint Art House – Burleigh Heads
•THE WALLS – Miami
•The FarmHouse – Miami
Conservation
•Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
•WATERGUM Science Events Community
Festivals
•SWELL Sculpture Currumbin