by Courtney Symes

What is your favourite children’s book? No matter how hard I try, I can’t choose one. Now that my eldest daughter is nearly two, I have to confess that I’m enjoying rediscovering my old favourite … Read More

by Courtney Symes

A few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to attend a Seekers concert. Having bought the tickets as a Christmas present for my mum, I have to confess my knowledge of The Seekers’ repertoire was limited … Read More

Courtney Symes

What makes you happy? Eleven weeks ago I gave birth to my second child, and one of the things I missed most during pregnancy was running. I tried to run for as long (and as gently … Read More

The talk of the town in Canberra this month has been Patricia Piccinini’s Skywhale hot-air balloon. This unidentifiable half bird/half beast has Canberrans divided. Ian Warden of the Canberra Times eloquently summaries Canberra’s bewilderment: “Now whole classes of Canberrans (like, … Read More

What do your possessions say about you? Imagine that a collection of your favourite items, including paintings and drawings you created, clothing, furniture and other precious mementos were locked away in a room for fifty years before being uncovered to … Read More

by Courtney Symes

What are the best art exhibitions and shows you’ve seen this year? The last year has been a very special one for Canberra, with 2013 marking the centenary of this extraordinary city. Whilst I’ve enjoyed … Read More

by Courtney Symes

“I ain’t no saint, but I’ve tried never to do anything that would hurt my family or offend God … I figure all any kid needs is hope and the feeling he or she belongs. … Read More

Having spent most of my childhood years growing up on Norfolk Island in the South Pacific, I was excited to discover that one of the National Gallery of Australia’s latest exhibitions, Atua: Sacred gods from Polynesia (until 3 August) … Read More

One of the secrets of a successful landscape artist and landscape photographer, I believe, is their ability to interpret and capture light in their works. Landscape paintings are a personal favourite of mine, and I had high hopes for … Read More

by Courtney Symes  

The things that inspire artists constantly amaze and excite me. It could be a word, a feeling, their home or local environment and surroundings that trigger the greatest creative sparks. The beauty of these humble … Read More