I have recently completed my Artist-in-Residency at Nobbys-Whibayganba on beautiful Awabakal Country.
Each morning, as I walked up to the lighthouse, I was filled with anticipation and excitement as I daydreamed about what I might create.
The studio spaces on offer inside the cottages each hold their own individual character and energy. It was great to have access to the different studios and draw inspiration from these spaces. No matter which studio you are in for the day, your mind and soul will be filled with inspiration. Creating on the grounds outside the cottages was also fantastic. Being able to respond to the imagery, light and space on-site without interruptions made for a wonderfully immersive experience.
I chose to use my time to create imagery that I would not have the chance to create again, to shoot experimental film inside the studio spaces, to create unique imagery using the lines in the architecture, the light reflecting from the beautiful polished wood floors and the empty spaces. I made drawings in various media, collages, monoprints, painting studies and drypoint etchings, and wrote and reflected on my artistic practice and themes.
This has been a marvellous experience that I will never forget and I highly recommend applying for this artist residency no matter what type of creative you are. It is a rare chance to create in a beautiful space amongst the light, the sound of the ocean and other inspired artists. I am so grateful to Hunter Writers Centre, the City of Newcastle and NSW Port Authority for providing us with this amazing opportunity.
