A Year of Colour, Collaboration & Slowing Down: My Art in 2025
- shereesmithart
- Dec 23, 2025
- 4 min read
As 2025 draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on my art journey this year— a year filled with new adventures, collaborations, and a welcome return to slowing down. While it felt quieter at times, when I look back, I have realised just how crazy busy this year actually was!
I began 2025 in a painting flurry, busily painting and organising my stand for The Other Art Fair in Sydney in May. It was my very first in-person art fair, and I had such a blast! It was a hell of a ride, but seeing my work up on the walls, meeting collectors face-to-face, and being part of such a vibrant creative environment was a huge personal milestone for this little introvert. I loved pushing myself, getting out of my comfort zone and chatting about my art.
In February, I launched a beautiful collaboration with Karla Cola, with four of my designs transformed into fabrics for a collection of dresses and tops Karla named "Ice Cream Dreams". Seeing my artwork worn and brought to life in this way was so special, and it gave me something to wear at the art fair! My dresses certainly got plenty of comments of "Oh look, you're wearing your own art!" as people walked by my booth. It was very cool!
Also in February, I was included in a group exhibition with Greenhouse Interiors, continuing a relationship I’ve cherished for several years now with the GI team - they really rock and I am endlessly thankful for their support.
In April, I was named a finalist in Gallery Alchemy’s Palette Project Art Prize. Attending the opening night and connecting with fellow finalists was such a joy. That month also saw another fun collaboration come to life — a cosy winter sweater with Rattamatatt, which felt perfectly timed as the cooler months rolled in.
Throughout the year, I had work represented by Martine Gallery at the Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney Affordable Art Fairs. I had such a great day, walking through the Sydney fair in November- catching up with old artist friends, meeting new faces, and seeing my work in such an epic setting. Big thanks to Martine for continuing to support me this year and taking my work to all the fairs.
Mid-year bought a much-needed break. In June and July, my family and I travelled through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, soaking up colour, texture, and inspiration.
Not long after, I was back in exhibition mode for my duo exhibition with the incredibly talented Claudio Kirac, titled Present Place, held at Greenhouse Interiors in Geelong. I hand-delivered my pieces to the gallery in July and finally got to meet Julia and the team in person, after working together for many years now! Our work sat beautifully together, and I felt deeply grateful to share the beautiful Greenhouse Interiors Gallery space with Claudio.
July also brought another exciting collaboration — this time with Ruby Olive, featuring my art across lanyards, shopping bags, towels, and scarves. Seeing my work on such practical, joyful pieces that people can use every day (and gift to others!) has been so fun!
This year also saw my art included in the BioPak Cup Art Series, where it was printed on coffee cups distributed across Australia and overseas. The messages I received from friends, family, and followers from all over, spotting my cups “in the wild” in the most ramdom places, were endlessly thrilling and something I got a real kick out of.
This year I continued to paint a number of special commissions, and artworks sold far and wide, with works sent off to live in the Netherlands, the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, Singapore, New Zealand, France, and Indonesia. Knowing my paintings are now part of homes all over the world never ceases to amaze me.
While 2025 felt slower on the sales front and in these tough economic times, art often sits low on people’s wish lists, and many artists and creatives have felt the impact. I’ve certainly noticed pieces taking a little longer to find homes. I remain so deeply grateful for the ongoing support of my collectors and community. Despite the challenges, close to 120 pieces of my original work found forever homes in 2025, which is something I never take for granted.
The last few months of the year have allowed me to slow down even further. Burnout is never far away, and stepping back to paint purely when I felt like it, while giving more time to other parts of my life, has been a real blessing. Finding that balance is tricky, especially with full-time work, raising kids and balancing an art business- but it’s something I hope to carry forward into 2026.
I’ll be kicking off the new year with a local group exhibition at Kiama Fire Station Gallery, running from 14–21 January. I’m looking forward to connecting with locals and soaking up the summer holiday energy that Kiama does so beautifully. Come and say hi if you can!
Thank you for continuing to support my practice, share my work, and follow along. I’m excited to see what adventures the year ahead may bring, and I look forward to filling your feed with colour and joy all over again.
Now, it's time for a rest- you will find me over the Summer exploring the beautiful beaches of Jervis Bay and the Shoalhaven.
Bliss! 🤍
Chinaman's Beach, Jervis Bay NSW.