Reflections on My Time at Bundanon Artist in Residence

Arriving at the Bundanon Artist in Residence felt like entering another world. One where time slowed, the air was crisp, and nature was fully alive. Driving in, I was immediately struck by the presence of the land. The bush stretched endlessly, the river glistened, and animals moved freely. Lyrebirds calling, kangaroos bounding, wombats scurrying. There was an undeniable energy here, something both grounding and expansive.

Daily Life at the Residency

My days quickly settled into a natural rhythm. Mornings often began with a walk through the bush, breathing in the fresh air, taking in the scents of wildflowers, and listening to the constant hum of cicadas. The river became a daily ritual, whether it was a swim, sitting by its edge, or simply watching the way the water moved and reflected light.

Connecting with the other artists was another important part of the experience. Conversations about creative processes, artistic challenges, and personal insights flowed easily. There was an unspoken understanding between us all—we were here to create, to explore, and to allow the environment to shape our work.

Every day, I made art. The pressure I usually put on myself to produce melted away, replaced by an effortless flow. There was no hesitation, just a sense of play, exploration, and trust in my instincts.

A Deeply Personal Experience

Beyond the physical environment, Bundanon gave me something even more valuable – space. The stillness allowed me to listen to my body in a way I hadn’t been able to for a long time. I felt my nervous system regulate, my thoughts clear, and my creative energy return.

Being immersed in nature like this wasn’t just inspiring, it was deeply healing. It felt like a homecoming, not only to the land but to myself. With so much space to reflect, I was able to process emotions, release old tensions, and reconnect with what truly matters in my artistic practice.

Creative Growth & The Littoral Collection

One of the biggest shifts during my time at Bundanon was in my approach to making art. I let go of internal criticism and embraced the act of creating for the sake of it. The land, particularly the relationship between the river and the surrounding terrain, influenced my work in unexpected ways.

I often work with themes of the ocean, but here, I was drawn to the interplay between land and water, the littoral zone, the in-between space where the two meet. This inspired The Littoral Collection, a series exploring the connection between elements and how they rely on each other to exist.

Leaving & Moving Forward

As my time at Bundanon came to an end, I felt a mix of emotions. It was difficult to leave such a nurturing space, but I also knew I wasn’t leaving empty-handed. The residency had given me a clearer vision for my work, a deeper sense of connection to nature, and a renewed trust in my creative process.

In many ways, Bundanon itself became a littoral space for me, a transition between where I was and where I’m heading. It was an experience of deep rest, exploration, and expansion, and one that will continue to shape my practice moving forward.

Visit Bundanon to explore more.