the story so far…
Hi, I'm Shea!
There's a lot I could tell you about myself, but I'll try not to bore you too much. I've had a colourful upbringing, travelling and living in different places. I grew up in Papua New Guinea in a wonderfully multicultural family. And if you're trying to guess how many cultures are in the mix, you've probably guessed too few.
My heritage is Torres Strait, Chinese, Irish and German. I know, it's a lot!
I've never been one for too many labels. What matters most to me is being an Indigenous artist, sharing stories, and creating work that connects with people.
Through all the twists and turns, glass is where I've found my place. It's where I feel at home, and I'm here to stay.
After graduating from Melbourne Polytechnic's two-year, full-time Glass and Glazing course, I'm now continuing my journey through a Fine Arts degree at the VCA, University of Melbourne, taking my practice to new heights.
As I grow as an artist, I also want to give back to my community. They've helped shape who I am, and without them, I wouldn't be here today.
My philosophy is to have compassion for all, you never know what someone is going through, to dream big and aim for the sky, the moon and the stars, why not!
First Nations Community
Our First Nations glass community was founded by Donna Kennedy of GLAAS Inc., alongside Rickie "Gugumah" Martin and Gayle Silveira, who have been central to its growth. Together, we teach the art of glass to First Nations people.
For me, the community reaches well beyond GLAAS Inc. and into the University of Melbourne, where the Wilin Centre has been a wonderful support during my studies at the VCA. Through this journey, I hope to keep sharing stories, bringing the love of glass to others and giving back wherever I can.
I've recently joined the Yurrongi Centre Advisory Board as an alumni representative, and I'm also part of the First Nations Steering Committee with GLAAS Inc. I hope to contribute meaningfully to both and help support the community's growth.
I'd like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation, Traditional Owners of the land on which I live and work in Narrm. I pay my respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging, and thank them for their ongoing care of this Country.
I also want to acknowledge and pay my respects to the strength and activism of those who came before us – activism that continues to shape the world we live and work in. Sovereignty was never ceded, and I extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.