My Sydney Adventure as a Finalist for the 2025 Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize

Exhibition of Finalists

Last week, I returned to Sydney — a city responsible for shaping me in my most formative years — to attend the opening night of the 2025 Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize. Honoured to be named a finalist in the Emerging Artist category with my 2025 work ‘The Artist’s Way’, part of my Untamed collection. It was a whirlwind of emotion, beauty, memory, and connection — both personal and artistic.

The Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize Opening night, held on Friday, June 20, was electric. Ninety-nine exceptional artworks on show by Australian women artists; categorized as Emerging, Professional, and Indigenous Emerging. The calibre of work was breathtaking, and it was a true privilege to share space with such a talented cohort.

The Prize remains the country’s most valuable art award for women, with a total prize pool of $58,000. 

Winners of the 2025 Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize were:

2025 Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize Winners

• Professional Artist Prize: Janet Laurence – Moss Water Ice Temperature Rising
• Emerging Artist Prize: Lilli Strömland – Ode to Peaches and Cleaning
• Indigenous Emerging Artist Prize: Fiona Pompey – Tali Nguru

Each work brought a powerful voice and unique vision — a reminder of just how vital, diverse, and vibrant the art community is in Australia.

Sold!

To my absolute joy, The Artist’s Way sold on opening night. If you’re one of the lovely people who reached out afterward — thank you. And if you’re still thinking about it, you’re in luck: the work is part of a limited edition, and prints are still available for purchase directly until sold out.

• Purchase The Artist’s Way

For those who couldn’t attend, you can still explore the exhibition via a virtual tour and view the award ceremony on the Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize website.

• Visit the 2025 Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize – Exhibition of Finalists

You Can Still Vote!

People’s Choice voting is open until Sunday 6 July. If you’re in Sydney, the Exhibition of Finalists is on view from Saturday 21 June to Sunday 6 July 2025, open Thursdays to Sundays, 10am–4pm. If you’re planning a visit, make sure you place a vote for The Artist’s Way in the People’s Choice awards!

A Homecoming of the Heart

This trip was more than an exhibition — it was a return. I grew up in Sydney, but I don’t make it back often these days. Being here again, with my sister by my side and catching up with some of my oldest friends, was pure magic. There’s something so grounding about walking the streets of your adolescence — a bittersweet blend of familiarity and change.

After the buzz of opening night, I gave myself a day to wander and reconnect with the city. I visited the Royal Botanic Gardens, lingered over old and new favourites at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and retraced my teenage steps through Kings Cross and Rushcutters Bay. I paused to rub the nose of the bronze boar outside the old Sydney Hospital — a ritual I never skipped when I lived there. Old habits, still breathing.

I caught trains (which I still miss!), drank coffee, watched strangers, and let the city’s rhythm work its way back under my skin. Nostalgia has a funny way of refreshing your perspective, and this trip reignited a love for Sydney I didn’t realise I’d lost.

I came for the exhibition of art prize finalists, but I left with far more. I left with a heart full of gratitude — for the past, the present, and all the beauty still to come.