Emerging Artists Kick-Start a New Project with Dr Kellie O’Dempsey
In an industry where the leap from emerging artist to established practitioner often feels like navigating in the dark, The Refinery’s two-day short program Concepts and Practices offered something new, a framework for clarity. Facilitated by renowned artist and educator Dr Kellie O’Dempsey, the program introduced visual artists to a tangible, actionable plan to kick-start their next project.
Hosted at Sub Tropic Studio in Caloundra, the program laid the groundwork for building sustainable, long-term practices for artists at the early stages of their careers. The participants were a dynamic cross-section of self-taught creatives, emerging practitioners, recent graduates, and current students from institutions such as the University of Queensland and Nambour TAFE. Their disciplines were equally as varied, ranging from mosaic and drawing to painting and interdisciplinary installation. Some travelled more than three hours to attend, a testament to the program’s reach and resonance.
Day One was designed to sharpen critical thinking and deepen understanding of their creative intent. Through structured peer interviews, participants were paired off and invited to interrogate the what, how, and why of each other’s work. Carefully crafted questions prepared by Dr O’Dempsey prompted artists to articulate their chosen medium, creative process, and the deeper ideas underpinning their work.
“I wanted participants to get comfortable talking about their work, not just in terms of aesthetics, but in a way that connects to their worldview,” said Dr O’Dempsey. The peer-to-peer format pushed participants to articulate their concepts, some for the very first time. “Creative practice can be as much about how you communicate your ideas as it is about bringing them to life.”
On Day Two, participants engaged in one-on-one consultations with Dr O'Dempsey, a rare opportunity for direct, personalised critique from a senior practitioner. The safe and collaborative studio setting of the program allowed for meaningful feedback of their work.
One participant, already highly proficient in her technical skills, left the short program with a stronger conceptual framework to bring deeper meaning to her practice. Another walked away with renewed clarity and practical tools to confidently deliver her upcoming graduate body of work. Many participants sharpened the language they will carry into artist statements, grant proposals, and future critiques.
Concepts and Practices was intentionally designed as a precursor to The Path, an intensive three-month program that equips artists with the skills to plan, strategise, and map out a sustainable creative career and create a new body of work culminating in a showcase to pitch their practice to leading galleries and creative producers. For many participants, Concepts and Practices served as a vital checkpoint.
“Some artists who weren’t ready for The Path last year now are,” O'Dempsey reflected. “That’s what makes Concepts & Practices so special. It’s a bridge, one that helps you understand exactly where you are in your practice, and where you need to go next.”
Photo 1: Louis Lim - Redlands Art Gallery 2024, image courtesy of Kellie O’Dempsey.
Applications for The Path open on June 1. Sign up now to receive updates and be the first to know about upcoming programs and opportunities.
R|Short Program: Concepts & Practices is delivered by SCCA and supported by Major partners: the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, Sunshine Coast Council through the Regional Arts Development Fund, and in partnership with the Creative Ecologies Research Cluster at UniSC.