Will Collins, emerging Artist visits my studio

Last week I had the pleasure of hosting fellow emerging artist Will Collins at my studio on the South Coast of NSW — an inspiring visit that was both creatively energising and personally meaningful.

Will came down with his camera in hand, driven by his keen interest in photography and visual storytelling. Over the course of the day he documented my process in the studio, captured the quiet rhythms of paint and space, and made some portraits of me at work. There’s something rare about being photographed in your own creative flow, it’s an opportunity to see yourself through another artist’s eye. Will’s instinct for light and composition brought out nuances I hadn’t noticed before.

Will is someone who lives between multiple creative worlds. Alongside his photography and painting practice, he’s also the force behind the hand designed clothing label Lewellyn — a project that blends texture, form and an understated sense of individuality. You can feel his visual sensibility in both his imagery and his hand made designs. As we moved around my home studio, talking about framing and art materials, it was clear how photography and fashion intersect in his painting practice: both are about presence, personality and the way we choose to show ourselves to the world.

For me, the visit was a reminder of how valuable it is to connect with other makers. There’s a resonance in conversations about process, a shared language that emerges when you talk about why you make art in the first place. Will’s curiosity, his generosity with the camera, and his thoughtful approach to documenting creative life made the day feel like a genuine exchange, not just an invitation to be photographed, but a moment of mutual inspiration.

I’m looking forward to seeing the photographs he made, and I’m excited about future conversations and collaborations. There’s something energising about meeting a kindred spirit who sees the world through a similarly attentive lens — and I’m grateful for the chance to share a studio, a conversation, and a creative moment with Will.