Guys! I'm so stoked to share I’ve won third place in the Emerging Artists Awards at Upstairs Gallery!
When I first saw this year’s theme, Life Out Loud, it felt like music to my ears. It aligned so perfectly with my practice that I knew I had to enter.
Here’s how Upstairs Gallery described the theme:
In a world that often feels uncertain, heavy, and unrelenting, we want our 2025 exhibition to showcase the work of emerging artists who capture the essence of what it means to live boldly—to find colour, joy, defiance, and meaning in everyday existence.
I entered my piece “Beautiful Trouble” and, nervously sitting with my two littles at the awards ceremony, was over the moon to hear I’d placed third! The judges’ thoughtful feedback was the cherry on top and made the whole experience such a highlight of my year so far.
The opening event was buzzing - so packed I actually had to come back the next day just to take in all the incredible finalist works. And to my absolute delight, there was a little red dot next to my entry! It felt like the universe was giving me a big, sparkly nudge to keep going.
If you’re in Auckland, definitely check out the show at Upstairs Gallery: it’s on from 30 August to 21 September and it’s well worth a visit.
Pics from the awards event and exhibition can be seen here.