The Changesmiths

14/05/2026

Opens this Saturday, 11am-1pm!
I can't wait to see all of the beautiful art adorning the walls of Balfour House in Cygnet this winter. My original masked owl, 'Queen of Hearts' will be amongst the works on display. ❤️

As Autumn leaves fall creating carpets of colour bringing the change of season to our Valley - a dynamic group exhibtion opens stretching across the winter months bringing together artists of the Huon Valley.

Balfour House presents The Winter Collection - an exhibition featuring over 40 works showcasing a diverse range of mediums and forms.

The event will run from May 16 - Aug 9 with opening hours Fri, Sat, Sun 10-3 at The Artisan’s Hand Studios at Balfour House 22 Mary Street Cygnet.

Proudly presenting works by Aaron Gray, Deborah WACE - Botanical artist, The Elm & the Raven Emma Coombes, Jillian O’Brien, Kate Smith, Lachlan Maclennan, Libby Dyer Art, The Changesmiths Mel Stanger, Nicole Hutchins, Sarah Bird, Stewart Woods

29/04/2026

It's fun(gi) season 😍
There is so much beauty on the forest floor right now, be sure to keep your eyes to the ground when you're out amongst it!

26/03/2026

'Backyard Bliss' with me, for scale. It's a big one!
Do you think I nailed my resemblance?
It's now in the hands of its new owner. ❤️

09/03/2026

I am so thrilled to share that my oil painting, 'Backyard Bliss' was announced as the overall winner of this year's Huon Art Prize!

It ain't easy to tackle a self portrait, let alone put it out into the world. I didn't hear much as I made my way to the stage to accept my award, except that the artwork 'oozed with joy'. And that made me so very happy, as it was the emotional intention underpinning this piece. To convey the joy that I experience from immersing myself in nature, particularly birds.

My thanks to all of the team at for all their hard work in pulling this huge show together each year - almost 300 artworks!
Judges .arnol
And all the sponsors, especially Bendigo Bank.

16/10/2025

And finally, the humble tawny is crowned bird of the year!

05/09/2025

'Memento Vivere', oil on canvas.

It's a different art form for me. A very personal still life that captures precious mementos from loved ones passed. Although this artwork acknowledges my own devastating loss of family, its symbolism serves as a warm reminder that there is always light to be found in the dark ☀️

The pocket watch belonged to my cheeky little brother, Shaun. He passed away on this day 22 years ago and the watch is set to the date and time of his tragic death. My Dad, Mum and grandparents are represented through personal objects.

This piece will be on show at the from September 5-28 as part of the new members exhibition, 'Springboard'.

Can you expect to see more oil paint from me?
Hell yeah!
I am completely smitten with this medium 🤩
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

04/08/2025

The beautiful endemic Tasmanian Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae castanops). tell me that it's international owl awareness day. Probably the most important thing I can say is please, please don't use rat poison! It's harmful horrible stuff that makes its way up the food chain to raptors and owls.

This drawing is called 'Queen of hearts'. Her feathers are adorned with tiny heart shapes which I didn't notice until I immersed myself in 150 hours of delightful drawing.

03/05/2025

Fun times with graphite and a mushroom that I found along Snug River. It had been pulled out of the ground, so I didn't hesitate to bring it back home and spend an hour capturing it on paper!

20/04/2025

Snug river hasn't got much to offer yet, but fingers crossed we'll see some fun stuff pop after the weekend's rain. We took a short forest walk near Judbury yesterday and found a few fungal delights. 🍄

19/03/2025

Devotion. The original drawing is now on display and up for grabs at Wooby Lane Gallery in Salamanca. Mum and bub spent a few months at the Devonport regional gallery after being shortlisted for Tidal.24 (what a fun opening night it was!). And happy to receive another little accolade - an honourable mention in Art and Color's 2025 all animals comp.

Prints are available via my website - they are gorgeous quality and I couldn't be happier with them! 😊

Huge thanks to Barry Becker for amazing reference photography.