-By Kim Parnell-

For local artist Kerri Dixon, life before moving to Brooweena to ‘Live the Dream’ was hectic to say the least. After twenty-seven years running a sign manufacturing business in Brisbane, the daily grind wore thin for Kerri and her husband, then their kids grew up and started to leave home. Craving change, they sold everything and bought a farm, despite having no farming experience. Kerri, now semi-retired, made one request: the property had to include room for an art studio so she could finally focus on her passion.

Swapping city life for a rural farm was a culture shock for Kerri and her husband.

“Going from the stress of running your own business, trying to make ends meet, and wondering where the next pay is coming from, to selling everything and becoming debt-free made all the difference.

“The stress levels dropped to zero, and we were able to truly relax for the first time in years.

Part of the dream was to become semi-self-sufficient farmers on their 180-acre property, but reality hit hard. Kerri tried selling eggs with one hundred free-range chickens and even had a custom-built chicken tractor. But after thirteen hours a week, egg-stamping, and market days, she was barely breaking even.

They also tried cattle and sheep, only to discover they would need 1,000 acres to make it profitable. Even the veggie garden didn’t thrive.

“All my big farming dreams went out the window after about a year,” Kerri laughs.

She soon remembered why she made the move: to focus on her art. She converted the double garage into a studio and joined local art societies, entering small comps with her pastel work. When they asked her to teach, she nervously ran her first workshop—with no experience—and it was a hit.

That spark grew into a passion. Now, Kerri shares her love for wildlife art and soft pastels, teaching others and embracing the simple, nature-inspired life that feeds her creativity.

Kerri believes that soft pastels are the best medium for wildlife.

“The pastels create a really soft look and are very forgiving; they are beautiful to work with and a brilliant medium for beginners.”

Living rurally, where even a milk run takes forty-five minutes, Kerri wanted to connect with other isolated women, both in Australia and overseas. That’s when she launched The Creative Barn Membership online, nearly four years ago.

Now with over two hundred members worldwide, Kerri hosts regular Zoom sessions and has built a thriving, supportive art community.

“They come for the lessons, but stay for the connection,” she says.

She also runs annual art retreats in the small Tasmanian town of Winnaleah, which sell out every year to members eager to meet in person, often for the first time.

The busy artist will be holding a student exhibition in November at the Maryborough Regional Art Society Gallery.

“The idea for the exhibition came about because some of my students are a little older and lack confidence. By having a student-only exhibition, it feels less intimidating. It builds their confidence so much, they come to the opening and are blown away seeing their work displayed alongside others, realising it looks just as good. The exhibition runs throughout the month, and I also include a slideshow of my international students’ work.

“This year, I’m adding a virtual gallery tour for those who can’t attend in person. I hold the exhibition every November at the Maryborough Art Society Gallery, and it’s completely free for my students.

“It’s so rewarding to see their faces on opening night. Some even sell their work during the show. It’s a beautiful, community-building experience.”

Kerri also has a solo exhibition coming up at Gatakers Artspace in Maryborough in April next year. Titled ‘Colours of K’gari’ (formerly Fraser Island), it highlights the rich reds and oranges of the island’s iconic dingos and the Maheno Wreck, contrasted with the cooler tones of the landscape. “I’m fairly well known for drawing dingos,” Kerri says. So, keep an eye out for this striking showcase.

Last year, she was featured in the Artist’s Spotlight at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery, a proud moment for the artist.

She’s also in the Doyle Art Awards and recently sold a piece to Darcey Doyle’s niece, which Kerri says was “pretty amazing.”

Locals can join her art class at the Maryborough Art Society.

For all her events, head to her Facebook page www.facebook.com/kerridixonart.

You can also find Kerri on the web, www.kerridixonart.com. If you want to know more about the membership, here’s where you need to go: www.thecreativebarnmembership.com.

Front cover image: Kerrie Dixon – Horse Eye