At 19 years old, just a month after marrying my wife, I suffered an electric shock that left me physically and mentally disabled. The injury not only took away my physical abilities but also stripped me of the activities that once brought me joy-my involvement in the skateboard industry and the ability to create art as a form of self-expression. This sudden change brought a profound sense of loss, forcing me to confront a reality where I could no longer engage with the world in the way I once did, leaving me to navigate the pain of losing both my identity and my purpose.

Becoming a father introduced a new layer of complexity to my emotional landscape, as moments of parenting triggered the resurfacing of emotions attached to repressed trauma from my own dark childhood. The joy and responsibility of raising my children often clashed with the painful recollections of my past. Throughout this process, my wife played an immense role, carrying the weight of our young family and supporting me through my physical struggles. Her unwavering support gave me the space I needed to heal, both physically and emotionally.

With the support of my wife, I was able to find strength and pursue goals that had long been part of my vision for recovery. In 2020, I launched a skateboard company, which gained immediate traction and sold in skate stores across Australia. The success of the brand gave me the confidence and resources to expand my creative vision by opening a small gallery in our new hometown of Murwillumbah, NSW. The gallery, influenced by the artists involved in the skateboarding community, showcased works from local, national, and international artists across a range of mediums. Our gallery also featured a studio program designed to support people with disabilities, offering a space for them to create art, engage with visitors, and exhibit their work. However, after enduring a devastating flood that destroyed the gallery, we were forced to close following ongoing threats of minor floods, which impacted our ability to continue operating.

During the lifespan of the gallery, I found myself battling with the resurfacing of deeply unsettling, repressed memories from my childhood. This period became a turning point as I worked closely with mental health professionals to confront and process the emotions tied to those experiences. My goal was clear: to overcome the heartache and emotional barriers that had been magnified by the signs of CPTSD, a condition I developed following my electrical injury. This was my obligation as a husband and father, I couldn’t let my self slip after everything I had already endured.

The establishment of my own artistic practice became a foundation for profound breakthroughs, enabling me to reflect on and process my experiences through a deeply personal lens. As I compared my own childhood to that of my children, I felt an overwhelming heartache for the child I once was-one who endured pain and confusion in an environment that fostered toxicity and abuse. This introspection allowed me to truly open myself up and discover my authentic identity. Through this process, I began to explore my own humanity, confront the destructive social norms passed down through generations, and address the poisonous influences that perpetuate cycles of harm.

As a father, my purpose became clear, to sever my family’s connection to the pain and unhealthy patterns of the past. I hold myself accountable for creating a safe environment where my children can thrive-where empathy, love, and acceptance replace fear, anger, and hate. This responsibility is reflected in my creative process, as the raw emotion of this journey finds its way into every piece I produce. Floral undertones have naturally emerged throughout my work, symbolising my rejection of the oppressive masculine ideals that weighed heavily on me as a child. Disbanding patriarchal norms has become integral to my message, as I envision a future where my son and daughter stand as equals and learn the value of kindness, respect, and dignity.

Each painting is the culmination of this personal journey. I carry a deep sense of pride in the works I create and the story they tell-a story that I hope resonates with a wider audience, inspiring reflection, connection, and meaningful change.