My recent work for Surface Festival explores the energy of living fully in the present — the exhilarating edge between fear and possibility.

This work captures the essence of being on the edge, whether exhilarating or terrifying. It reflects the raw energy and potential of grabbing the moment fiercely. The use of the Yugambeh word “barang,” which translates to “now,” emphasises the immediacy and intensity of the present moment.

It is also Hues of Happy’s way of recognising that 60,000 years ago, First Nations people were creating artworks on this very land, this historical continuity reminds us that as people, we are connected by the ground we walk on and the drive to create.

Through this illustration, I aim to convey the importance of embracing the present and the transformative journey it offers. It is a reminder that every moment holds the potential for discovery and growth, challenging us to explore what it truly means to live and create in the “now.”Titled “Barang” (the Yugambeh word for now), this mural captures the raw potential of seizing the moment. It’s also a tribute to the enduring legacy of First Nations artists, who have been creating on this land for over 60,000 years. Their history reminds us that creativity is deeply tied to the ground we stand on – a shared human impulse to express, connect, and leave a mark.