A Lake Macquarie based artist originally from Melbourne, Alanya is intrigued by the idea of art providing a mystical and alchemical experience for both the artist and viewer. She is inspired by trail blazing modernist artists such as Georgia O’Keefe, the esoteric work Hilma af Klint and the rich symbolism and magic of the pagan polish folk art of her ancestry.

With qualifications in Visual Art, Animation, Counselling and Art therapy she is a widely exhibited artist and has been a finalist in several fine art prizes. She brings experience in mural design and fine art works that respond to nature’s beauty and emphasise spirituality and ancestral heritage as a way of responding to our modern, consumerist, artificial culture. Alanya believes that as our worlds become more technologically dominated, the role of art making as an immersive, physical, emotionally engaging process is becoming more significant to our well-being and deeper humanity.

Alanya is passionate about bringing like-minded people together to connect and grow and runs the Newcastle Artist Collective, as well as providing private tailored consultations and therapeutic art facilitation. These services have resulted in much joy and growth and have enhanced her own life and creative practice tremendously.

“My art practice is guided by a desire to create spaces of protection, reflection, and connection. I work with themes of ancestry, lineage, spirituality, and belonging, drawing deeply on my Polish and Dutch heritage. From Polish folk art I inherit the use of plants, animals, and ritual motifs as sacred symbols of protection and resilience. From my Dutch side I carry the tradition of dolls’ houses, where the home is imagined as a sacred, magical space. Childhood memories of building fairy houses and my Opa’s handmade dolls’ house built from recycled timber continue to shape my sense of wonder and reverence for imagination, play and sanctuary.”