Spring Gives Us Hope was a fundraising exhibition by True Blue & a Little Bit of Yellow, held at Mona Vale Pop-Up Gallery on Sydney’s Northern Beaches from 17–28 October 2022. Unstoppable in our commitment, we continued to paint, exhibit, and raise funds to support those in need, using art as a way to respond, connect, and help.
The exhibition was filled with colour and optimism — flowers, birds, and vibrant palettes came together to reflect renewal, resilience, and the emotional lift that spring brings. It was an uplifting visual response during a difficult time, offering light and hope through art.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who visited, supported the exhibition, and purchased artworks. Your generosity made a real difference. Knowing that, once again, art could help support the people of Ukraine is something that continues to warm our hearts.
Every so often, a commission opens the door to an entirely new way of thinking. One such moment came when a client asked for something unexpected — a lightweight, sculptural object in the form of puppets. Creating puppets became an unusual and exciting way for me to explore my creativity. They sit somewhere between sculpture, design, and storytelling. Unlike painting, where the surface holds the narrative, puppets demand attention to volume, balance, texture, and movement. Even at rest, they suggest gesture, character, and presence. Working on these pieces allowed me to think beyond the wall and the frame, translating artistic ideas into tactile, three-dimensional forms. Each puppet became a small character — playful, expressive, and full of personality. This unexpected direction reminded me how important it is to stay open as an artist. New materials, new formats, and new requests can lead to discoveries that expand both practice and imagination — sometimes in the most surprising ways.
We’re very grateful to be featured in the latest issue of Art & Style Magazine, which includes a thoughtful article about True Blue & a Little Bit of Yellow artist collective. The feature explores how our art supports ongoing fundraising efforts, highlights the unexpected connections between Ukraine and Australia, and introduces each artist’s individual style and approach. It’s a generous and well-considered look at our shared work and values. A huge thank you to Doug Clark for the wonderful write-up, and sincere thanks to Wayne at Northern Beaches Gallery for his continued support. This issue is filled with remarkable talent, and we’re honoured to be included among it.
