We decided to purchase an artwork as we had painted a feature wall in our home. This led us on a journey of discovery of contemporary art, artists, institutions, etc. Our world was changed. I then went to Monash University as a mature age student to understand what it takes to be an artist. I began to understand the tremendous commitment and dedication required as you need to have headspace, something that you can’t just summon up; then you have to plan the work, then make it. I realized that since my skill was working with people and making relationships, I should help artists instead of being one! I changed to studying theory and history of art. After I finished, I worked with an institution and in a couple of commercial spaces working out how I wanted to run my own gallery.

I do agree that systemic social, cultural, and political barriers barred women from partaking in the art world in numerous ways. Traditionally, historically, women’s work took place in the home! Male artists were viewed as serious artists, whereas female artists were viewed as having a hobby or making crafts, which historically was not seen as serious art.

Yes, there has been an evolution. We do have serious female artists, unfortunately, the surrounding issues concerning our patriarchal society still linger. In Australia, we now have great female directors of state institutions, female curators and, of course, female artists. There still is a gap between recognition for female artists institutionally and with private collectors, which is beginning to change.

My goal was not to reverse the role that women have had, it is to change the role going forward and promote an understanding and appreciation for female artists for their talent and dedication and to make sure their work is valued for who they are, with the knowledge and history of being women, often together with emotional depth found in their work.
The main difficulties and challenges have just been in explaining the reasoning behind making this commitment to women only. It’s been really important to me not to be seen as a victim gallery in wanting to keep men out. We need to be seen and valued for our strength as representing strong and talented artists. At the moment, these need to be female artists, to assist in helping them gain the recognition they deserve. We appreciate and encourage all visitors, and our male intern is doing a wonderful job enjoying working with us.

Not really. That’s why we have work to do!

I have to narrow it down otherwise I can’t pick… My gallery consists of eleven artists; they are definitely my top picks: Cigdem Aydemir, Coady, Kate Baker, Deborah Kelly, Louise Paramor, Lisa Roet, Kate Rohde, Jacqui Stockdale, Sonal Kantaria and Kim Lieberman. And for contemporary art that I don’t represent: Jenny Saville!

Definitely, I am quite sick of seeing female nudes; I think we need to change this voyeurism. Let’s see male nudes for a change!

Yes, all three – together with the challenges of being taken seriously, the challenges of family, the challenges of being not competent enough to take on large projects, and judgement in not being competent enough to work with diverse materials and large structures. The challenge of their work not being perceived to hold as high prices as male artists. This challenge is mainly due to the lack of support by institutions, curators and private collectors.

I choose the artists primarily as I am passionate and committed to their practices. I make sure that I have a respectful and professional relationship with each artist, essential for working together. I also choose artists at different stages of their career, being careful to make sure I can assist and help them with their professional development. I have chosen a specific group of artists in order to have a breadth of work in the gallery, both curatorially and commercially.
Strengths: like any commercial gallery, the strengths are in representing talented artists who are dedicated to their practices. Weaknesses: there is no weakness – these are strong, committed artists who I have the pleasure of working with and assisting to develop their careers.

Yes, we definitely do. That’s essential.

I think there is a natural change coming through as the role of men and women are changing, together with gender and other developments in the way we live. As with all changes and reflections on current society, this is reflected in contemporary art. The art world needs strength and support from public institutions and private collection, and in Australia, a widening of the audience.

A female artist needs commitment, passion, professionalism, strength and courage.

The process for preparing the exhibitions has been great; we have a terrific team! The reception from the public has been so supportive and our visitation has been inspiring.

I look forward to building successful careers for each artist, thereby achieving success for the gallery. I plan to run exciting events, talks and a mentoring programme for female artists, which we are launching next year! From an art fair perspective, I plan to take our artists overseas, potentially participating in fairs in the United States, Paris, London and Brussels.