Art In my Garden 2025 was the best year yet! This was my 5th year participating and it’s now established as a much anticipated afternoon of community and conversation with Oakville artists.

It’s around this time of year as the evenings draw in I can start thinking about cozy moments at home. This isn’t to say I’m the kind of person rushing towards ‘autumn’ but it can be said that in September and October I can start moving furniture around (“like a woman possessed”), buy new cushions and it has to be said…there’s a weak point at home when I know I can ‘ suggest new art’ for walls.

With a husband who can think about the ROI of home changes, buying art is an easier topic to broach…why?

As I prepare for Art In My Garden I feel themes emerge from the past months, as they always do. My painting and process is one of discovery and a meditative expression of my experiences: past, present and perhaps, even, the future.

I’m guided by repetitive and consistent comforts which carry me through each year.  Having reflected on a letter from an art mentor of her sacred trinities I found clarity emerging..

What has this got to do with art? I will only know if and when what I experienced, what I saw and how I felt makes its way to a canvas. Half Irish, half Sri Lankan…what does it mean, how does that work? All I know is that the here and now is what counts.

Travelling with my ancestors might sound a bit much for some of you, but if you’re a believer, then you’ll be right with me…

Years ago I said never, but ‘never say never’….This is me, on the cover of a local publication here in Oakville.

Each edition features someone or a family who live locally and contribute to the lovely place we live in. After Art In My Garden 2024, I said yes..and I was glad I did. It’s nice to see things in print, a reminder of what you’ve been doing and it’s reassuring to reflect on the values you’re aligned to as you’ve changed over the years.

It’s a new year …and so many things are ahead for me. They feel a bit heavy to be honest.

Transitional phases can feel sticky and messy when there is change afoot, whether it’s on a professional or personal basis. As an artist I’m emotionally invested in the work of creating and it would be a perfect world if time could stand still to enter the realm of indulgent making-of-art at the flick of a switch….

The inaugural Square Treats Art Show hosted at the NiblockAvis offices on Lakeshore was a huge success for everyone involved….

Art In My Garden 2024! I'm located here, at 176 Front Street alongside fellow artist Sue Hoeltken. We will be sharing the front garden and private driveway of this stunning Heritage home.

If you visit Oakville on a regular basis you might know it's been completely rebuilt, maintaining the original facade and almost all of it's original features. The window panes look like they....

Me and my Town of Oakville Community Spirit Award for Arts, Culture & Heritage.

I would like to thank the @townofoakville for recognising myself and all the other recipients who work hard to help bring people together maintaining the vibrance of our local communities. The shortlist of nominees all deserve thanks

The Lingering Light group show was a success! It was something Elle, Sue and I had decided to do locally as there was an opportunity to take space at Sovereign House, in West River, Bronte.

The image above is from a place that is like a portal for me. It’s Dublin Airport, the threshold of coming ‘home’, and leaving to go ‘home’. The words on the wall are from a poem called Swanlight. How does this intertwine with new work that’s on show in June?

……and it’s so welcome. I love that phrase, and at home when something is grand, we’re all at peace, happy with the general way of things and there’s a contentment in the air.