While Goulburn glows in a lilac hue STA catch up with Sally O’Neill at her studio.

The first week of Covid lockdown, my life turned upside down. A wonderful opportunity popped up in my professional life and I was due to open my solo exhibition There’s Nothing to See Here at M16 Artspace in Canberra. Covid resulted in a lot of changes to my work and the opening of my exhibition was cancelled, it all couldn’t have been more poorly timed! This time brought so much change and emotion that I found it impossible to paint, however I am so very grateful for the lessons in confidence and resilience.

I have returned to my practice with more passion, dedication and willingness to take risks than ever before. I feel like I am on a journey as an artist, exploring different inspiration, subjects and opportunities. I have about five different projects happening at the moment in the hope that it will help me decide on what angle to take my practice and on what type of artist I want to be. I am currently a finalist in the John Cope’s Portrait Prize at Bowral Art Gallery, I am undertaking a huge commissioned mural at Crookwell Public School, I am working on two bodies of work in the studio including one with the working title Women of Goulburn for exhibition at the Goulburn Club early next year, I am now collaborating with Something Special to stock my original paintings in store for sale and I also take on private work. It’s a full plate especially with a full-time job – but I absolutely love it!

Visit Sally’s Website

Women of Goulburn (working title) is currently booked for March 2021 at The Goulburn Club.