Wendy Coombes’ creative journey began quietly—somewhere between arranging flowers, chasing afternoon light, and realising she’d lost track of time completely. That moment of flow revealed something powerful: it wasn’t just flowers or photography that captivated her, but the space where the two meet.
Today, Wendy’s practice is intuitive, thoughtful, and deeply human. Known for her floral still lifes and equine series, she is now expanding into abstraction, minimalism, and architectural forms—while exploring profound themes such as loss, memory, and the resilience of the human spirit. Her work reflects a way of seeing shaped by patience, curiosity, and optimism.
With a background in marketing and technology, Wendy brings both sensitivity and strategy to her creative life. Through ArtSHINE, she has embraced new ways of working—shooting not only for fine art, but also for patterns, murals, and licensing opportunities.
Wendy’s story is one of quiet confidence, evolution, and learning to see—slowly, honestly, and with intention.
JoJo — Limited Edition 2/5
1. Can you share a little about your creative journey?
It all began in earnest when I was setting up my floral design business. I was busy styling bouquets and arrangements and photographing them in my home studio. When the light began fading in the late afternoon I realised I had barely stopped or looked at my watch. Let’s just say I was “in flow”.
That is when I began forming the idea that, as much as I love working with flowers, it was the combination of these two passions—flowers and photography—where I’d found my creative calling.
2. How would you describe your creative practice today?
My creative process is intuitive and exploratory; something I want to become more intentional about in 2026.
I’m working on several projects right now. One that’s particularly meaningful explores the theme of loss (both personal and universal). I’m interested in documenting through still life and portraiture what loss means individually: a loved one, a job, a homeland. In multicultural Australia, these stories are everywhere. I’m still figuring out how to bring it all together. That’s the exciting challenge.
I’m known for floral still life and my equine series, but I’m currently drawn to abstraction, minimalism, and strong architectural themes. I’m still discovering my full visual direction.
3. What usually inspires your work?
I love the textures and rhythm of nature, and in particular, flowers.
Other people’s creativity inspires me too. I love seeing the work of other photographers, especially those who explore different perspectives on subjects that may seem to have been done to death.
But nothing inspires me personally and creatively like the human spirit. We are so lucky that there are people who share their stories. I hope to one day share these collective human stories through my lens.
4. What does creativity mean to you personally?
Creativity is how I process the world. It shows up in how I notice light falling across a table, how I arrange objects in my home, even how I approach problems. It’s both a practice and a lens through which I experience life more fully.
5. If you had to describe yourself and your work in five words, what would they be — and why?
Solution-Driven | Patient | Seeing | Optimistic | Curious
Solution-Driven: Maybe this is because I have learned to be a self-sufficient person who prefers to solve things for herself rather than ask for help. I’m not saying this is always a good thing.
Patient (well mostly): Photography demands patience. I was not always patient (truth be told I am not patient in every situation).
Seeing: Since taking up photography I see more and I see in a different way. I look for the light, the shade, gestures, details and shapes.
Optimistic: Increasingly challenging in current times, but the human capacity to overcome inspires me.
Curious: Might also relate to being solution-driven. I love researching stuff (thank you Google). I’m curious about how things can be achieved.
6. Before fully committing to your creative practice, did you have a previous career or life chapter?
Many! I have a background in business marketing and have held roles in the technology sector. Before I committed myself to my photography practice I was a marketing technology strategist and helped clients in the medical, legal and defense sector to automate their marketing function.
So I have a strong background in marketing, which I’m learning to apply strategically to my creative practice.
7. How did you first discover ArtSHINE, and what drew you to be part of the community or accelerator?
I first heard about ArtSHINE from one of my artist friends. I was in the early stages of collaborating with a large Australian interior design brand and could see that licensing could be a wonderful opportunity to get my work in front of a larger, more global audience.
ArtSHINE has the contacts and infrastructure to reach an international audience through trade shows and their existing network.
I enjoy my coaching sessions with Vinh. He encourages me to take a broader appreciation of my own work. I have a large catalogue and have, to some extent, disregarded some of that work. Vinh encouraged me to revisit it and think about a wider range of applications for those images.
It has also changed how I shoot. Previously I would shoot with the idea of: “this has to work as a fine art print.” Now I can shoot something specifically for the purpose of turning it into a repeat pattern or large-scale mural wallpaper.
It has widened my horizons.
8. What has your experience with ArtSHINE been like so far?
It has been positive. I find Vinh to be balanced and generous of spirit. Working with ArtSHINE has widened my perspective on commercial opportunities for my work. I have also been able to show my work in a solo exhibition which has been a positive experience.
Working as an artist can be isolating. It is nice to have someone to soundboard with.
9. What has been one of the most meaningful challenges in your creative journey?
The challenge of being an artist and, yes, I sometimes struggle with that identity, is balancing the romance of creating with the practical realities of running a business. My ongoing challenge is protecting time for the creative process itself. It’s teaching me that sustainable creativity requires both discipline and self-advocacy.
10. What advice would you give to creatives who are still finding their voice or considering a pivot into creative life?
Not sure if I am in a position to be advising, but I guess it depends on the stage of life you are in. I would have not considered giving up my previous career if I still required a steady income. That is the truth. It may not sound romantic but be realistic and consider what income you need to pay the bills. Then translate that into what that would look like in terms of a number of artworks sold.
Start small and build momentum while managing risk.
11. Is there a current or upcoming project you’re excited about that you’d like to share?
One project I am excited about is my visual journal titled “Exposure Therapy” (notes on photography, stillness and learning to see slowly).
In each entry I share my new work along with a short micro story attached to it. It may be personal, technical or whimsical.
Follow along at: https://wendycoombesphotography.substack.com/
I have also just launched my new website: www.wendycoombesphotography.com
Nothing else is set in stone yet but I would also love to run some workshops this year for people who would like to learn the art of slow photography. I will share details in Exposure Therapy when the details are finalised.
12. Looking ahead, what does “success” look like for you as a creative — creatively, personally, or professionally?
Success means having the freedom to pursue my artistic vision without compromising it for commercial demands. It’s creating work that matters to me while building a sustainable practice. It’s also about connection—knowing my work resonates with others and perhaps helps them see the world differently, even if just for a moment.
Inspired to collaborate or work with our Bright Star?
If this interview resonated with you and you’d like to explore collaboration opportunities, licensing, commissions, or creative partnerships, we’d love to hear from you.
You can view Wendy’s portfolio at https://artshinelicensing.com/artists/wendy-coombes/
For enquiries or to start a conversation, please get in touch with Vinh Van Lam at Vinh@artshine.com, and our ArtSHINE team will be happy to connect you.
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