From South Bank studio to Brisbane’s Outdoor Gallery: Grace’s creative pathway comes to life

Now, the Diploma of Visual Arts (CUA51125) graduate is seeing her work showcased in the heart of Brisbane, while continuing her studies through a pathway into the University of Canberra Bachelor of Visual Arts at South Bank.

Grace’s artworks, Galaxy Ocean (2025) and Yellow Leaves Mixed with Green (2025), are currently featured in AMPLIFY ME!, a Brisbane City Council Outdoor Gallery exhibition celebrating artists with lived experience of disability.

Displayed in Hutton Lane, the exhibition marks an exciting milestone in Grace’s growing artistic career and highlights the opportunities that can follow a TAFE Queensland creative arts qualification.

For Grace, art has always been a powerful form of self-expression.

“Creating art is a way for me to express myself and my thoughts; it also takes me to places that are beyond reality,” she said.

Using digital, acrylic and watercolour media, Grace creates imaginative characters and visual narratives that celebrate diversity, inclusion and individuality. Her work explores identity, belonging, and advocacy for environmental and LGBTQI+ rights.

Her artistic journey began at TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus, where she completed her diploma and developed the technical, conceptual and professional skills needed to take the next step in her career.

The diploma allowed Grace to strengthen her practice across a range of mediums, including painting, traditional drawing, ceramics and digital art.

“Sometimes it’s painting, sometimes it’s digital drawing or just traditional drawing, which is basically pencil and paper. Right now, I’m doing digital art,” Grace said.

Grace said studying at TAFE Queensland helped create a strong foundation for her future and opened the door to further university study.

Now progressing into the University of Canberra Bachelor of Visual Arts, she is continuing to refine her creative voice while building toward a career in the arts sector.

Being selected for AMPLIFY ME! has been another important step in that journey.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for everyone, people from different communities, and different artistic styles and preferences,” she said.

“I like how everyone is getting along and how we can all connect with our art and talk about it freely without being judged or discriminated against.”

Grace also credits the support around her for helping her continue to grow.

“If I’m surrounded by people who remind me just to take a breather and take my time - like teachers, family and friends - they amplify me to do my best,” said Grace.

TAFE Queensland’s Diploma of Visual Arts is designed for aspiring artists looking to build advanced practical and conceptual skills for self-employment, further study, or work across the wider creative industries.

With pathways into higher education and careers across arts, community, government and commercial organisations, the qualification helps students transform talent into tangible opportunity.

For Grace, that pathway is already making its mark - from the studios of TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus to one of Brisbane’s most visible public galleries.