By Ashleigh Manley – Luxe Hervey Bay

Looking back on all the tangents and pathways that are hallmarks of most artists’ journeys, I feel privileged to have ended up here in Hervey Bay.

My chosen career began as a teenager, when I closely observed my mother painting large oil paintings; I was totally enthralled. I would spend every spare moment and every dollar I had on paint and paper, with the end goal of holding a one-man show in a prominent gallery in Adelaide. This was a real step forward to be able to support myself, earning enough to make two trips overseas, totally inspirational as I visited major galleries and exhibitions, and held an exhibition in Hamburg.

After marrying Kate in 1982, one of the major changes was opening my own space, which included a clothing store that my wife ran. We were there for a few years before moving to the Gold Coast, where, in a remarkable series of events, I was offered the position of ‘Artist in Residence’ at Sanctuary Cove. Our daughter finished her schooling and went on to Griffith University during those years.

Then, a series of exhibitions in Dubai led to a great deal of travelling, from the UAE to Turkey, France, Italy, Malta, Vietnam, Canada, and the USA.

But now for the best part. Arriving in Hervey Bay, we found, by providential favour, our current, gorgeous space; once again reinventing our original combination of clothing and art.

It has been a rewarding 13 years in Hervey Bay. We’ve watched the town’s demographics change dramatically, especially with new housing developments and the recent approval of a 5-star Sheraton complex on the Esplanade. We benefit from the influx of visitors year-round, as well as from loyal locals, who have been our mainstay of support. My watercolours and acrylics are now largely inspired by local content. From these originals, we have made an enormous range of prints encompassing a wide range of sizes. As well, I have produced artworks on commission; often a customer will need a particular size or colour range and almost without fail, this has been very satisfying.

I enjoy meeting people and sharing stories of life, faith and purpose. Through this retail avenue and the community here, I feel more than blessed in every way.