I work primarily in printmaking and drawing, and the week at Lighthouse Arts Newcastle was an amazing opportunity to spend time in an incredible location and make work responding to the light and colour of the harbour and the enormous ships that carry coal and other produce from Australia to the rest of the world.

The location is spectacular. Once you’re out at Nobbys with only sea and sky for company, it’s almost as if you’re in another world. Certainly it’s very peaceful, and the clean white walls of the studios make it great for drawing and contemplation.

While I was there I worked on a large drawing of Newcastle harbour taken from a smaller sketch I made on a previous visit to Stockton in 2022. I really appreciated the light and airy studios, and the different views out the windows as we moved around the cottages from day to day. I hope it will be possible to one day bring the finished drawing back to Newcastle and share it with the local art community.

It was also fantastic to head down to Nobbys Beach after work and swim in the ocean. A perfect way to finish the day, and refresh your energy before heading home.

One of the great pleasures of a residency like this are the opportunities to meet other creatives. While I was at the Lighthouse there were seven other artists from around Australia in residency. It was good to share stories, hear about their creative adventures, and begin friendships around our shared time at Nobbys Lighthouse Newcastle.

Thank you for creating and supporting this program. It’s an amazing place to be and make work!

@damonkowarsky | www.damon.tk