For the last few months I have been working as a research assistant at Monash University where I have been working on the AirSticks. Alon and the team at Sensilab are working on making the AirSticks accessible to a wider variety of people with complex movement disabilities. We’re working on updating the software, new colourful designs, and different methods of wearability. We’ve had several sessions with artists with disabilities to gather more information about how they use the AirSticks and the features they’re hoping to see in the future. The AirSticks are still being developed and are currently in their research phase. As such they are not commercially available, but if you’re interested in taking part in ongoing research please reach out.

I was delighted to take part in Holobody, a mixed reality technology project lead by Kim Vincs, as a research assistant between April and June of this year. The project focuses on creating a map of your body. This map is adaptable based on a person’s movement capabilities, with a big focus on mobility aid users. To control the fish I need to move my body instead of relying on gestures or a controller. Our session started as moving a school of fish and evolved into an impromptu dance practice.

Time is Just a Thing is an album I co-created with Ciaran Frame and Alon Ilsar that explores an emotional and personal journey. It was recorded over several sessions at ABC Southbank in December 2024. I was able to throw myself into this amazing experience and use my poetry, natural voice, and played various instruments using traditional percussion instruments and also using the AirSticks. 

If you’d like to check it out digitally you can find a link here.

A physical release is coming later this year.

In January I flew over to Wellington, NZ for the ICTMD (International Conference for Traditional Music and Dance) conference to present a paper on Conduit Bodies. The conference was a whole different experience which has lead me to new contacts and I was able to explore ideas I had never considered before. My highlight was connecting with the Indigenous Australian people, where I learnt more about their traditional songs and dances.

While there I met Alice, and fell in love with the painting she is holding in the above photo. I purchased it the same day. I loved the story behind the painting, which you can read below.

Thanks to Creative Australia, Melbourne Fringe Festival and Alter States Festival I was able to do my season of Conduit Bodies in October 2024. This was an incredibly rewarding and satisfying weeks and yes the first time I experienced being the leading artist in this project. I am fortunate to have such a wonderful team of creatives and professionals behind me, including Loom Arts Management and Arts House who went far beyond to bring my dream performance to the stage.

I never imagined having enough fine motor skills to use ink and fine detailing brushes. Ink runs and spreads in seconds and fine (thin) brushes could easily snap between my chunky, moving fingers but I am surprise none of this happens to me. I feel totally immerse by the experience – this delicate medium is delightful. The brushes are special to me because they were my Dad’s – I get the sense he would be proud to see how much I am using and admiring his paint tools. Being able to explore with ink and brushes has taught me things about gentle lines, shapes and movement. My hand relaxes and my mind delves into my peaceful world. Since moving house last October I have found my creative juices to be pouring through beautifully – it is like being on a new planet. The painting above is an inspired piece of a gorgeous dog, who resides in the same building as me. Bobby is a 3 year old labadoodle and is a therapy friend for children who are unwell. When I see Bobby and he sees me – our connection is real and no barriers between us. I instantly feel the urge to know I’m safe and loved.

I have now relocated after 20 something years of living in the same place.

Now I am finally living in an area where I can walk or ride independently directly from my own front door. This is a new sense of freedom. My new office has a sky view! A lot of creative juices are flying out, particularly in my writing. I am writing a lot at the moment, professionally and for pleasure.

My work never seems to stop, and since I am self employed, this is great. I love the fact that I work as an Artist, even in my mentor role these days. I have a few projects on the go for 2024. So, watch this space!

I recently had a weekend in the Castlemaine region and decided to stay at an amazing historical landmark in Taradale, Taradale Railway Station. As someone who uses a wheelchair, I often need to book far in advance to find accessible accommodation, however I like to also find places on the spur of the moment which may not necessarily be ‘accessible’ but where workarounds can be made to make it so. Often it is the attitude of the hosts which can make or break the accessibility possibilities. In this case, Judith was certainly one of a kind in helping to make it happen. I would definitely go back!

Just a note for my readers who are wheelchair users who travel independently, while I would definitely recommend staying here, certain facilities may not be as accessible as you would hope, as this is a heritage building. For example the bathroom is big enough for a wheelchair, but it is not a ‘roll in’ shower. I enjoy staying places like this to get the real experience of history.

I enjoyed putting my photography skills to work. Here are some of the images I captured on this trip.

What I love about my work is I get to meet many students of all walks of life. Deakin is an extraordinary opportunity in my career. Here are some of the quotes from my most recent presentation.

“The invited speaker was brilliant and I could see some wonderful smiles as she presented”

“Dr Melinda was an amazing guest speaker, my guests and I were grateful to hear from her”

“Mel the guest speaker was terrific and it was great to see our student’s achievements honoured”

Photo credit: Deakin Photographer: Simon Fox

Tom was a beautiful young man I had the absolute privilege of getting to know over the past 4 years. Tom lived in Hong Kong and our mentoring sessions happened on Saturday afternoons via Zoom. Tom never shied away from sharing his thoughts with me, he was an incredible communicator, had a wonderful witty sense of humour and a remarkable perception to know the world around him and the people who knew him best. When Tom chatted to me last week he was excited about turning 18 very soon and we discussed what he might do and that pretty much sums up the incredible passion for life Tom shared with us…

While Tom’s life with us came to a sudden end recently, he will always be remembered for his legacy as a practical thinker and a creative mastermind of Uno. Tom loved cooking and was originally inspired by Uncle Roger’s videos, until he moved on to tease Gordon Ramsay.

Tom was a very compassionate young man, and our mentor sessions would usually begin with him asking me how I had slept the night before.

I’m feeling the numbness of knowing there has been a departure of someone I wish there were more, much more time with… Tom, you were one of a kind and thank you for every thing you shared… photo permission & credit Merridy Smits