The 2026 Words on the Waves featured poster artwork is ‘Girl Sitting’ by Kirsty Nathwani. Read more about our theme and the artwork here. Below, we ask this Terrigal local a few questions.
What drew you to painting?
I’ve loved painting for as long as I can remember. It’s always been something I’ve come back to, doing courses here and there alongside the busyness of life. But in the last two years, my practice has really deepened. Joining a community of artists on the Central Coast and working with a mentor gave me both confidence and momentum. Being surrounded by other creatives, learning to see more carefully, and committing to painting consistently allowed my work to truly evolve. What began as something I enjoyed has become a serious and joyful part of my everyday life. Painting now feels less like a hobby and more like a way of understanding the world around me.
Is there a story behind the artwork we are pleased to feature in Words on the Waves 2026?
I’m drawn to capturing moments of leisure — life around the pool or at the beach — where time seems to slow and people soften into themselves. The featured artwork shows a girl relaxing by the water, absorbed in her book. I love that quiet combination of stillness and immersion. For me, it feels like a symbol of gentle escape — the way reading can transport you while your body remains grounded in a familiar place. Set against the light and openness of a relaxed setting, the image speaks to both physical and imaginative freedom. It’s a small, everyday moment, but one that holds a sense of calm, reflection and possibility — which feels beautifully aligned with a celebration of words and stories.
How long have you lived on the Central Coast and what do you enjoy about it?
I’ve lived on the Central Coast for 17 years now. I moved here from Sydney with my husband Salim, but I’ve lived in many places across Australia. I grew up in a small country town called Barraba, went to school in Tamworth, studied at university in Toowoomba and Brisbane, and eventually found my way to the Coast. Of all the places I’ve lived, this is the one that has truly felt like home.
I would find it very hard to live away from the beach now. So much of my daily life happens there — walking my dog, meeting girlfriends for a swim, spending time with family by the water. The rhythm of the beach and pool has shaped both my lifestyle and my artwork. But more than the landscape, it’s the people here who make it special. The friendships and community I’ve built over the years are what anchor me. For me, home is wherever they are — and right now, that’s the Central Coast.
Last book you read and loved?
The last book I read and truly loved was a while ago which is a little embarrassing The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland. It stayed with me long after I finished it. I was drawn to its strong sense of place and the way the Australian landscape was woven so deeply into the emotional lives of the characters. The imagery, symbolism and connection between nature and memory really resonated with me as a painter. It’s one of those stories that feels both intimate and expansive at the same time.
Words on the Waves will celebrate its sixth year May 27 – June 1, 2026, in various locations across the Central Coast. Sign up to our mailing list to make sure the good news flows to you.
