One Year On: Life After Redundancy

It’s been a year since I was made redundant from the advertising industry, a world I spent about 20 years in after stumbling into it through a chance meeting at the pub. I worked as a Finished Artist, then later as a Studio Manager, juggling deadlines, big personalities, big hours, plus 3–4 hour commutes while raising my two girls.

There were highs, supportive management, working from home during Covid, and even the chance to work from New Zealand while caring for Dad in his last months. I also squeezed in my Diploma of Visual Arts, studying one day a week for three years. But when redundancy came, it hit hard. I grieved the friendships, the chaos, and the daily buzz.

One year on, my life feels different. Slower, calmer, and art-focused. I’ve run aged-care workshops, joined artist collectives, and found an inspiring home at Deep Water Art Space. Alongside that, I’ve been learning the ropes of business with online courses, figuring out how to make this next chapter sustainable.

What’s next?
✨ Artwork change-out at Deep Water Art Space, Saturday 6 September
✨ Central Coast Grammar Spring Exhibition, Saturday 13 September
✨ The Shop Gallery in Glebe, Wednesday 24 – 🎂 Tuesday 30 September 🎂
✨ Hosting workshops at Deep Water Art Space from October

Over 50 feels like the right time to be present, to honour creativity, and to give this chapter everything I can. Here’s to what comes next.

Maz x