Digital and Pencil Artist

Early is a show that is very close to my heart. It was born from my desire to document and share a very tumultuous time in my life - the birth of my second child.

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My son, Alby was born at 26 weeks and 3 days. He was hospitalised for 76 Days and suffered from many common ailments that extremely premature babies face. The Mother's guilt that I was suffering was only amplified by my new inability to constantly be available for my 17 month old daughter or my husband.

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The stress and anxiety caused a great personal toll.

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This stress did not abate when my son was discharged. We now faced constant appointments, additional illnesses, constant demands which all culminated in his diagnosis with ADHD and Autism at 5 years of age.

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It examines the adaptations, medications and therapies that have combined to see him thrive.

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With early, I really wanted to expose the isolation and exhaustion that result from premature birth and special needs parenting.

 

I also wanted to acknowledge and thank the support networks and medical staff who were so integral in my son's life. 

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This exhibition culminates with Alby's eighth birthday and focuses on the brightness his future holds.

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Early was initially shown in Hervey Bay in late 2019. It has since toured to Beaudesert (@ The Centre), and the Wondai Regional Gallery. It has upcoming shows at Redland Art Gallery in Capalaba in September 2021 and Gladstone Regional Art Gallery in early 2022.

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Click on each image below for access to the artist statements.

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