who I am

I am a Melbourne-based artist and emerging art therapist. My practice grew from a lifelong connection to creativity. I grew up surrounded by the paintings and sketches of my grandfather, William Edwin Pidgeon (WEP), a three-time Archibald Prize winner, and was encouraged from a young age to use creativity as a natural way of expressing myself.

Living with autism and ADHD has shaped how I understand myself and the world around me. My own experiences of identity, belonging and regulation have made creativity both a personal tool for reflection and a bridge for connection with others. These lived experiences now guide me as I develop my therapeutic practice and bring authenticity and sensitivity to my work.

philosophy & approach

My work, both as an artist and as an emerging art therapist, centres on themes of self-perception, identity, and connection. In my drawing practice, I often layer pencil over collaged paper to mirror the way memories and emotions build upon each other. This process reflects my belief that art can hold the complexity of growth, recovery and change.

I believe art offers a language beyond words that can contain both struggle and joy. As a developing art therapist, I aim to create spaces that are trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming and person-centred, where people feel safe to express themselves, regulate, and connect through creative processes.

Education & credentials

  • Master of Art Therapy (current), La Trobe University, 2024–2025

  • Master of Teaching (Secondary), University of Melbourne, 2020–2021, First Class Honours

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art), Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne, 2017–2019, Second Class Honours Division A

Awards

  • Lloyd Rees Emerging Artist Award, shortlisted, 2023

  • Irene Sutton Award, Victorian College of the Arts, 2019

  • Stuart Black Memorial Bursary, Victorian College of the Arts, 2018

  • StArt Up: Top Arts, shortlisted, 2017

Selected Exhibitions

  • Lloyd Rees Emerging Artist Awards, Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios, Lane Cove NSW, 2023

  • Metamorphosis (solo), Red Gallery, Fitzroy North, 2021

  • Self, Off The Kerb Gallery, Collingwood, 2021

  • Grayscale, Brunswick Street Gallery, Fitzroy, 2021

  • From Heart & Mind, The Dax Centre, Parkville, 2020

  • Portrait, Brunswick Street Gallery, Fitzroy, 2019