Annabelle Gfeller is a Sydney-based artist whose days revolve around creativity, family, and staying connected to what matters most. Working from her home studio surrounded by garden views (and the company of her cat and dog), she’s built a routine that blends structure with flexibility.
With a background in Ayurveda, alternative health, and nutrition, Annabelle’s approach to art and life is shaped by a strong focus on wellbeing. In this conversation, she shares how she balances motherhood with a steady creative practice, the rituals that keep her grounded, and why showing up—even on the uninspired days—is key to making meaningful work.
Can you tell us what a typical day looks like for you—between painting, family life, and everything in between?
I usually start my day around 06:30, getting the kids ready and off to school. After that, I like to ease into the morning with some yoga stretches, a walk with the dog, and a quick workout in the garage.
I work from home so I just have to head out the back door and up to my studio —which I absolutely love. I aim to have at least three uninterrupted days in the studio each week, though life sometimes has other plans. Mornings are when I’m most productive, so I try to get a solid block of work in before lunch.
Natural light is essential for my painting, so I only work during daylight hours. By early afternoon, I usually shift gears and do some computer-based tasks. My days aren’t overly structured, but I make a point to show up in the studio whether I’m feeling inspired or not. I really believe in the value of committing to the practice—just turning up and doing the work, even if it’s not your best day.
Your studio sounds like such a calming space. How much does your environment influence your creativity and overall well-being?
My studio was purpose-built, and while it’s not large, it has a beautiful atmosphere. The cat and dog often keep me company while I work, and I can gaze out at the garden and pool from my space.
I know I wouldn’t thrive in an industrial environment without views of greenery or sky. During the warmer months, the studio opens right out to the garden and I can hear the birds calling out to each other.
Beauty is something that moves me profoundly, and I hope that feeling is reflected in my work. While I don’t paint the view directly, the calm and serenity of my studio space allows me to tap into deeper parts of myself—it’s the foundation for my creative process.
You’ve studied Ayurveda and alternative health—do any of those practices show up in your daily routine?
Absolutely. They are a big part of my life and daily routine. Eating whole, unprocessed foods is non negotiable for me. I crave healthy food. I regularly take herbs, supplements and Homeopathic remedies. Yoga is a daily practice as is meditation. I am a big fan of Ayurvedic oiling or Abhyanga. I am a Pitta/Vata body type and tend towards dryness. I do self massage every morning before showering with Almond Oil. My kids are constantly complaining that we are an ‘ingredients house’. They’ll thank me one day!
Motherhood can shift so much—how has it shaped the way you think about time, balance, or even your art itself?
Motherhood has been the single most profound experience of my life and completely reshaped my relationship with myself and the world.
It has made me more compassionate, more patient and far less focused on myself. It has made me more intentional with the time I do have.
You spend the majority of your time prioritising everyone else’s needs and working around their schedules. It’s a constant negotiation between being present for your family and staying connected to your own needs and creative practice. Making art is not something you can force, and it can take some time to get into the groove or flow.
My foundation in health and wellbeing provides the platform from which I can access these flow states more readily. I like to think that my art has more depth and nuance because I am a mother. Your heart just cracks wide open when you have a child. You are softened, challenged and stretched – this can’t help but filter through into the work.
When things get a bit hectic, what helps you slow down and reconnect with yourself?
Being out in nature first and foremost. This helps me get out of my head and into my body. I find it very grounding to swim in the ocean and I love walking.
Other things which help me reconnect are listening to music, meditating, dancing and having a good belly laugh with a friend.
How do you find that sweet spot between being productive and protecting your creative energy?
This is a great question and a work in progress really.
Productivity thrives on structure and focused discipline, but creativity needs space, rest and openness. I find the key is to build routines that support progress without draining inspiration. My creative practice is quite slow and considered. I sometimes wish I could be a bit quicker, but that is the way I work.
What does “balance” mean to you these days, and has that meaning changed over time?
Balance is something I really strive for in all areas of my life but definitely a work in progress. I detest rigid schedules. I am naturally quite a spontaneous, emotional person and so I try to tune into what feels good at any given time.
Of course this isn’t always possible as life can be very demanding. I really love the French model whereby you eat and do what you love but don’t overindulge and never feel guilty!
