In 2017, Queensland artist and curator, Cara-Ann Simpson spent almost a year in hospital with a severe brain infection. She was later diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and neurosarcoidosis. Cara-Ann had to relearn to walk and speak clearly. Creativity gave her back a sense of belonging.

At the rehab centre, Cara-Ann’s partner, Michael, would take her into the gardens where she would pick flowers and then arrange them in plastic cups back in her room. This was the beginning of her way back to art practice, and of regaining hope for a future.

The practice followed her home and grew into the in-person and online exhibition, Furari Flores (latin for Stealing Flowers).

Cara-Ann has been an artist for over 18 years. She’s also a curator, educator, author and consultant. Her background encompasses the arts, culture, heritage, tourism, festival and land management sectors.

In this episode, Cara-Ann shares her with us her childhood, the challenges and opportunities in pursuing a career as a professional artist, her health journey and its impact on her art, and her latest exhibition which is a multisensory experience that engages sight, sound, touch, and smell, providing a unique and immersive art experience. Cara-Ann also gives us a little insight into living in a shearing shed. 

Furari Flores will be at the University of Southern Queensland Art Gallery (Toowoomba Campus) 8 January to 16 February 2024 and available online.

Also mentioned in this episode

Cara-Ann Simpson - https://caraannsimpson.com/

Flying Art Alliance - https://flyingarts.org.au/

Institute of Art and Olfaction - https://artandolfaction.com/

Nicole Jankins - https://www.nicolejakins.com.au/

Tinker Art School - https://www.tinkerart.com.au/

You can read our feature story on Cara-Ann in OAK Magazine Issue 13.

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ABOUT OAK MAGAZINE

This episode was hosted by Kimberley Furness, founder + editor of OAK Magazine. We are a proudly independent media publisher dedicated to sharing stories and amplifying voices of female change makers and women in business in regional and rural Australia. OAK is an award winning community ecosystem of print, digital, audio and events. We have demonstrated outstanding quality, innovation and impact through our print magazine, podcasts and audio version of OAK Magazine. OAK is where you will find in-depth chats and courageous conversations with women in business from regional and rural Australia.

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For more inspiring stories, visit OAK Magazine website. Hosted by Kimberley Furness, Founder + Editor, OAK Magazine.