What an interesting painting journey this has been. I have loved contributing an artwork to the HBNC Hervey Bay Art Story Wall. 

I originally planned to paint my Dad, Peter Goonan, who passed away this year. The scene shows Dad holding his takeaway coffee cup in the sun, a memory of countless family moments spent together over a cuppa. 

Dad especially loved his takeaway coffees. This felt like belonging to me. I painted it, fell in love with it, and couldn't imagine placing it anywhere outside of our home. 

The next stage began with a trip to Bunnings, new timber and paint, and the creation of 'Conversation River'.

The work became an explosion of colour. I threw acrylic paint onto the marine ply timber, creating a paint-splattered river. As it evolved I discovered a teapot, coffee cups, a big shining sun, waves, and lots of bold
contrasts. It was a joy to create.

'Conversation River' symbolises hundreds of cups of tea and coffee shared across the Fraser Coast over the last decade with loved ones, friends, colleagues, and clients. Often with Hervey Bay's stunning beaches or Mum's garden as the backdrop, these catch ups over a cuppa have made me feel seen, heard connected to others and part of a much bigger picture. I'm looking forward to hundreds more.

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