Never Let Me Go — A painting from the archives
The meaning behind the painting
In 2020, Never Let Me Go was part of the ‘Shine’ exhibition at Mosman Art Gallery in Sydney. It was an honour to have been asked to create the collection for the show that celebrated light and optimism during such a challenging year. Seeing my painting—a single red foil heart-shaped balloon—displayed in that context gave it new resonance. The piece, which explores both the joy and environmental impact of celebratory objects, aligned with the exhibition’s themes of reflection and hope. It was incredibly rewarding to know that my work was displayed at such a well renowned and prestigious art gallery and that I went on to sell so many of the pieces.
In my painting Never Let Me Go, I aimed to capture the dual nature of these festive objects. Helium-filled party balloons have a surprisingly rich history. The first rubber balloons were created by Michael Faraday in 1824 for use in scientific experiments. However, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that balloons became popular for celebrations. Initially, hydrogen was used to fill balloons, but due to its flammability, helium—a non-flammable and safer alternative—became the preferred choice. Helium-filled balloons gained widespread popularity in the 1920s; the first helium balloon was introduced in 1927.
Never Let Me Go started with something simple: a heart-shaped red balloon. I’ve always been drawn to everyday objects that carry more meaning than they seem to at first glance. This balloon, suspended quietly in space, felt like the perfect subject to explore that idea—a mix of beauty, memory, and deeper consequences.
Red is a primary colour; it’s emotionally charged—universally associated with love, passion, and warmth, but also with danger, warning, and urgency. It can say “I love you” just as easily as it can signal “stop.” That duality was exactly what I wanted to express in this painting. Red grabs our attention—there’s science behind that. It has the longest wavelength of any visible colour, which means it’s often the first colour the human eye notices. It raises our heart rate, it evokes strong feelings. It’s impossible to ignore.
In this painting, I used red not just for its romantic connotations, but also to underline the tension between sweetness and harm. The balloon might bring back warm memories of birthdays or Valentine’s Day, but it also hints at something more sobering. When these balloons are released—whether by accident or as part of a celebration—they eventually deflate and fall back to earth. They don’t just disappear. Instead, they can end up in rivers, forests, or oceans, where they become a real hazard to wildlife. Birds and marine animals can get tangled in the ribbons or swallow the plastic, mistaking it for food.
That’s what the title Never Let Me Go is really all about. It’s a phrase that can feel loving and emotional—a plea to be held close, but it’s also a cautionary tale. Once we let go of things, we don’t always think about where they’ll end up, quite literally in this case. That goes for objects, actions, and even emotions. This dual awareness is not meant to scold or judge, but rather to invite contemplation. The painting asks: How do we hold onto beauty and joy while also taking responsibility for the impact we leave behind? How do we celebrate meaningfully, without leaving a trail of unintended damage in our wake? These are questions not just for artists, but for anyone living in an increasingly fragile world.
Painting this piece was my way of holding both those ideas at once. I wanted to preserve the beauty of the moment—the shimmer of the balloon’s surface, the way it catches the light, the gentle curve of its form and its weightlessness. At the same time, I wanted to prompt a little pause, some reflection. How often do we stop to think about the full life of something as seemingly innocuous as a balloon?
Using acrylic on deep-edge canvas allowed me to really focus on the detail. I wanted the balloon to feel real, almost touchable—like it’s hovering right in front of you. And by placing it against a clean, neutral background, I hoped to give it space to breathe. Nothing else to distract the eye, just one solitary object, suspended in time.
For me, Never Let Me Go is both a love letter and a stark reminder. It’s about the emotional power of small gestures, and also the ripple effects those gestures can have. It’s about celebrating with care, loving with awareness, and being mindful of the footprints we leave behind—even the invisible ones.
Visually, the painting works well in spaces that looking to achieve warmth and simplicity. The red tones bring energy and emotion into a room, while the clean composition adds a sense of calm. But more than anything, I hope it gives people a moment to stop and think—not just about balloons, but about how beauty and responsibility often live side by side.
I really enjoy working with 50cm square canvases because they strike a great balance—they’re big enough to make a statement, but still manageable for most homes and spaces. A square format feels naturally balanced and pleasing to the eye, and at this size, the artwork can hold its own whether it’s hung solo or as part of a gallery wall. It gives me enough room to focus on detail without overwhelming the viewer, and from a practical point of view, it’s also easier to frame, hang, and move around compared to larger pieces. I think of it as a “just right” size—versatile, impactful, and friendly to all kinds of interiors.
Final thoughts
I think a painting makes a really special Valentine’s Day gift because it’s personal, thoughtful, and lasting—so much more meaningful than something like flowers or chocolates that disappear in a few days. It shows that you’ve taken the time to choose something unique, something that can live on a wall and remind your partner of how you feel every time they see it. Art has a way of saying things that words sometimes can’t, and giving someone a piece that communicates love, connection, or a shared memory can be a very touching gesture.
Limited edition fine art prints of this painting are now available:
