Being accepted into the Affordable Art Fair Austin was a milestone I’m incredibly proud of. As an artist based in rural Australia, receiving an invitation to exhibit in Texas felt both exciting and surreal. Not only was it my first time exhibiting in the United States, but it was also my first visit to America altogether. To have that journey begin in Austin, Texas, made the experience even more memorable.
Preparing for an international art fair is no small task. Months before departure, I was deep in the studio building a body of work that I felt represented both my practice and the place that inspires it. Alongside the creative preparation came the challenge of navigating the logistics of transporting artwork across the world, coordinating exhibition details, and planning for an entirely new audience.
As part of the process, I spent time researching Texas and its culture. What struck me most was how many similarities I found between rural Australia and the Texan way of life. The landscapes may be different, but the connection to the land felt familiar. Ranches, horses, cattle, wide open spaces, hardworking communities and a deep respect for tradition all resonated strongly with the themes that often appear throughout my work.
Arriving in Austin, I quickly realised why the city has earned such a strong reputation as a creative hub. The energy was infectious. Artists, collectors, curators and art lovers gathered from all walks of life, creating an atmosphere that was welcoming, vibrant and genuinely supportive.
I came to the Affordable Art Fair Austin with a simple intention: to meet like-minded people, connect with the artistic community, and share a small piece of where I come from. What happened exceeded every expectation.
The reception to the work was something I could never have anticipated. The response from the Austin community was overwhelmingly positive, and I was humbled by the genuine appreciation shown toward both the artwork and the effort it took to bring it halfway across the world. Throughout the fair, conversations flowed easily and meaningful connections were formed. Most importantly, many of the works found new homes, which is always one of the greatest privileges as an artist.
There is something special about seeing artwork connect with people from a completely different part of the world. Despite the distance between rural Australia and Texas, the stories, landscapes and experiences represented in the work seemed to resonate in unexpected ways.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the Affordable Art Fair team, who welcomed us with literal open arms from the moment we arrived. Their professionalism, generosity and enthusiasm created an environment where artists could focus on what matters most: sharing their work and connecting with people.
A special thank you also goes to Graham and Rachel Rush. This was the first time we had officially exhibited together, and it could not have been more enjoyable. Sharing the experience with such wonderful people made an already unforgettable trip even more meaningful.
Austin, thank you for your warmth, your curiosity and your support. This first visit to Texas has left a lasting impression, and I am already looking forward to returning.
We came hoping to share our art. We left with new friendships, incredible memories, and a deeper appreciation for the power of connection through creativity.
We'll see you next year, Texas.