in the mirror’s gleam, i face my truth,

a celebration dark, a reckless youth,

unapologetic, i strut through shadows,

in the vessel where my spirit echoes.

it bears the scars; it knows my fears,

witness to my nightmares, my tears,

in chaos, i carve my way to grow,

for me, not for others, this i know.

there's a raw discomfort that claws its way into your consciousness when you catch sight of someone trudging along the gritty expanse of a sandy beach, not in pursuit of leisurely strolls or the poetic embrace of a sunset, but with a determined gait that speaks of unseen burdens. it's as though they've stumbled into this shoreline sanctuary not to revel in its natural beauty but to confront their murky truths, dragging along with them an unsuitable companion - be it a battered trail bike or a makeshift pram filled with their belongings, both equally out of place amidst the grains of debris, rubbish, dog shit, and sand.

hats off to my creative mates. i want to give a big shoutout to the fearless frontrunners of imagination, the bold boundary-breakers crafting utopias out of the everyday grind, and the determined disruptors who refuse to settle for the status quo. especially those who work from regional/remote areas in western australia from my lgbtqia+ and disability community.

ana and miranda, as luminaries on the periphery of my creative endeavours, intricately weave a myriad of profound dialogues and unsought support into the fabric of their artistic journeys. i am deeply grateful. their work, a symphony of spirited resonance, transcends the programmed dependencies of a sheltered trader, prioritising the harmonious well-being of the creative community and independent artists. just as their artistic pursuits may manifest as a dedication to the craft, it is their unwavering commitment to mutual support amid transformative currents in theory and method. this is vividly demonstrated in their curation and expression in rural utopia's. this exhibition, along with the meticulous work and strategies invested in its two-year production, catalyses the genesis of originality, orchestrating a nuanced response to the demands of today and the unfolding narrative of tomorrow across regional wa.

in the garden’s whirlwind, her heartbeat’s song,

aggressively mowing where she belongs.

with unwavering dedication, she prunes and shears,

honouring fragility, allaying her fears.