Koa's Bio

My name is Koa Hood, I am an artist who works predominately with paper and am based in Sydney, Australia.

My entry into the world of art started in 2024, with a family feast at the fish markets. We love oysters, so there were a lot of shells! I liked the idea of reusing something that is often easily discarded without thought, into the bin and to landfill.

I scoured the web for ideas on how to use the shells and decided to create a zen garden. They looked impressive, glistening shades of white and grey, until it rained and the mosquitoes moved in.

So back to the drawing board, and then I discovered decoupage, the simple craft of decoration using paper and glue to build layers.

My attention was soon redirected with new possibilities of learning this ancient art form. With 12 oysters under my belt, I scoured my house for potential items to enhance.

I found pebbles from the garden, old forgotten candles, a mannequin head salvaged from a garage sale, a chair I never liked, a garden urn that never made it to the garden, prints that faded into bland picture frames. I could decoupage that expensive bottle of champagne, right?

As much as I admire perfection in any art form, I also appreciate the opposite. I see beauty in the imperfect — wrinkles in the paper, frayed edges and layers that create curious depth with hidden images in the shadows.

Plus, I love colour, and working with decoupage and collage I am able to explore these mediums using unexpected techniques and discover combinations of colour and pattern that are mine alone.

I am self-taught… I had to look this up, because with the myriad of wonderful tutorials online I feel I have learned a little something from them all! Kudos to them!

I am still learning and drawing ideas not only from decoupage and collage, but all mixed media. I have begun to introduce watercolour into my work, as I formulate and play with what I think might become "my style".

As I cut and tear out colours and forms I am drawn to, I recreate a fresh, renewed image. Sometimes I draw attention to the beauty of a small detail that can sometimes be overlooked in a bigger picture. Often there is more than the obvious.

I am still new to this life — my oyster shell journey began only two years ago, then pivoting to decoupage soon after. I then joined a wonderful collage class at my local library, where I showed one piece in their end-of-year exhibition. I now had to face the public and their opinion of my work.

Then I sold 12 candles, yay! I started showing work to friends, it resonated and I got custom requests.

In 2026, I participated in Incognito for the first time, and one of my works was sold! Woop woop! Small beginnings, but a big deal for me!

I am putting my toe in the water, and my works will be shown soon at a gallery in Abercrombie Street, Chippendale, Sydney.

I am looking forward to discovering what else is possible and what direction I might take.

Please contact me to be added to my mailing list to follow along.