Residency at Kelli Lundberg Art (March-June 2024)

Reflecting on my recent residency at Kelli Lundberg Art, I can confidently say it was a period of growth in my journey as an emerging artist.

Dynamic Creative Space
Working daily in the gallery’s stockroom, I found myself surrounded by a vibrant arts precinct—a stark contrast to the solitude of a private studio or any previous residencies. There was a lot of activity in the stockroom of the gallery, filled with the energy of visitors, a lively café, and nearby shops and studios. This creative environment, brimming with innovation and flux, kept me inspired and motivated throughout my residency.

As an introverted painter, adapting to this dynamic setting was initially challenging. However, the environment pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. Over the months, I noticed a remarkable boost in my confidence. I learned to stay flexible and open while maintaining focus and a steady work pace. By the end of the three-month residency, I had created a cohesive body of 14 paintings for my exhibition—a rewarding achievement.

Valuable Progress
I am passionate about merging realist oil painting techniques with contemporary visual concepts. The residency exhibition, titled “Grounded,” marked a significant step forward in this pursuit. The conceptual ideas that began to evolve during this period have become a strong foundation for my artistic language. I believe the residency’s stimulating environment played a crucial role in this progress.

Conversations with Kelli Lundberg were invaluable. Her insights into the art world and her experiences with artists throughout her career offered me a broader perspective. These discussions made me feel like a valued member of the art community and continue to influence the artist I aspire to become.

Receiving immediate feedback from visitors, art enthusiasts, fellow artists, and collectors was informative. Observing the daily operations of the gallery was eye-opening, and Kelli generously supported me with the exhibition’s writing, marketing, and hosting of the opening event.

Beyond the Residency
The residency opened new doors for me. In July, I participated in a two-week residency at Peninsula Grammar, where I painted, presented, and led a small workshop. And later, I was offered a studio space at The Studio & Co, where I am now one of their resident creatives.

Being the first artist-in-residence at Kelli Lundberg Art was an incredible honour. I hope my experience has helped shape the program for future artists. This residency not only allowed me to grow as an artist but also expanded my horizons with new skills, connections, and inspiration for the future.