Courtney has always been immersed in the creative arts and with family ties to the university, embarking on her Doctor of Philosophy in Contemporary Voice program at USQ was a ‘no-brainer’. 

Having already completed her undergraduate degree and honours in the Bachelor of Creative Arts program, Courtney is a successful ‘portfolio’ musician. She performs, educates, researches, collaborates, advocates, and inspires others to continue to pursue their goals. 

A self-proclaimed go-getter, Courtney says it’s always been about the journey. Working consistently as a music teacher and accompanist, as well as directing her own music studio, she sustained her work throughout the duration of her studies and still does to this day.

Courtney’s journey has not been without challenges however, as she experienced the tremendous grief of the sudden passing of her father whilst studying and working full-time. Her capacity to handle stressful situations was tried and tested, and the pursuit to achieve well in her assignments and exams challenged. It was, however, the support received during this time that has forever impacted her life. 

Along with giving Courtney with the tools needed to pursue her goals, USQ became her second home throughout her degree; a home where she is constantly surrounded by acceptance, value and the creative freedom to pursue her own unique identity.

After floating between jobs and feeling a lack of direction, Dan began his journey at USQ studying what he is most passionate about – art. He has graduated from USQ with a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours) and a Doctor of Philosophy.

An artist with a practice based in ceramics, Dan has been able to travel, exhibit and teach extensively throughout Australia and abroad. He has also worked as a Visual Arts Technician and Ceramics
Lecturer at USQ, with plans to move to Melbourne to continue his practice there.

Dan’s motivation as an artist stems from the inevitability of death, which puts a profound imperative on life. His creative and professional trajectory – formed by his studies at USQ – allowed him to
approach his practice with passion and overcome the rejection and recognition-based challenges of the art industry.

‘The short time we have here motivates me to try and make a difference, try and have meaningful and productive interactions, and to try and leave things better than I found them.’

My time as a visual art student at USQ was a personally, professionally and creatively transformative process, and a driving factor in my subsequent career choices. I found myself simultaneously challenged and supported, which led to confidence in creative growth, the development of practical skills and an involvement in numerous exhibitions and other industry outcomes. I have retained a lasting sense of creative and collaborative community, which continues to form the basis for many subsequent art exhibitions, projects and events.