There are moments in an artist’s life that quietly change the way you see yourself.

For me, one of those moments came when one of my paintings was selected as the winner of the 2023 Small Works Art Prize, judged by Australian artist Ken Done.

Receiving that news was incredibly special. Not simply because of the award itself, but because it represented something much deeper. It was a reminder that the countless hours spent in the studio, the paintings that don’t quite work, the moments of self-doubt, and the decision to keep showing up all matter.

People often see the finished painting. They don’t always see the years that led to it.

Every year I set small, achievable goals for myself—not because I’m chasing awards, but because I want to keep growing as an artist. I’ve learnt that building a creative life isn’t about overnight success. It’s about curiosity, consistency, and trusting that each painting teaches you something for the next.

Awards are wonderful milestones, but they aren’t the destination.

The real reward is the privilege of spending my days noticing the extraordinary beauty of Australian flora, translating those quiet moments into paint, and sharing them with others. If an award comes along the way, I receive it with gratitude. Then it’s back to the easel.

One lesson has stayed with me ever since.

Opportunities often arrive unexpectedly, but they only find us if we’re doing the work. Inspiration is important, but persistence is what carries us through the days when inspiration is nowhere to be found.

That experience reminded me to keep painting, keep learning, and keep saying yes to opportunities—even when they feel a little beyond my reach.

If you’re pursuing something that matters to you, whether it’s painting, gardening, writing or simply learning to notice the world a little more deeply, I hope this encourages you to keep going.

You never know which quiet day in the studio might become a turning point.