In 2025, I applied for and was accepted into the Archē program for emerging artists, funded by the Victor Harbor Council and Country Arts SA. Mia Stocks, Victor Harbor's arts and culture facilitator at the time, created an amazing 11-week intensive program full of artist-led workshops including marketing, grant writing, self-care and cultural awareness. The program also included funding to engage with a mentor of our choice, and funding to create new work with the group exhibition at Coral St Art Space at the culmination of our time in the program.

This experience gave me the space to step out of my shell and say I am an artist, I am a photographer, and here is the work that I make for me. Because at the end of the day I take photos because I am passionate about documenting my life, yes I love to do it for clients too - but the excitement of getting scans back of the people and spaces that I love cannot be beat.

I was extremely grateful to take part in the program alongside three other amazing artists in their own right - Ruby Yates, Tyler Jackson and Aza Newland. To grow together, share knowledge, contacts and ideas - to have the opportunity to form these new friendships, I will always treasure.

Accessing mentorship from the wildly talented Anastasia Pagonas was a dream come true, along with being welcomed with open arms into her online subscription platform Memory Cult. With this I was granted access to an absolute trove of personal photography education but most importantly also access and support of the beautiful community that exists within Memory Cult. As I navigated early pregnancy and uncertainty about the direction of my work during this time, I found myself seeking out inspiration and connection with other members. The work created within this community lifted me up and inspired me and I am sure that it will continue to do so.

Wrapping up the program with the group exhibition at Coral St Art Space in Victor Harbor was incredible. The opening night was a full house, support from not only our loved ones but members of the local community and further afield. It was definitely a night I will never forget and I’m so grateful for everyone who came along and supported us all.

Images below taken on the opening night by Libby Tozer

Finally I’m excited to share my work that made the final cut for the exhibition. All taken on 35mm film around our home, located on Ramindjeri land. These were lovingly developed, scanned, printed and framed by the team at Black & White Photographics in Adelaide.

In creating this body of work I explored the themes that light me up and drive my passion for photography and life - home, family and place.

archē program & exhibition - coral st art space - victor harbor -2025