Working with my hands has always been the core of my creative expression. Having a wide range of hobbies from gardening, photography, printing, patchwork, resin, interior decoration, and digital design, seem to have contributed to how and what I photograph and create today.

My love for photography started as a teenager with the loan of my Nan’s old Brownie Box camera. I was so taken with photographing trees and forms in nature, I now see that reflected in the composition and botanical elements I use in my artwork today.

It is not unusual for me to go on a routine morning walk through the beautiful Benalla botanical gardens and get caught up for half an hour just  photographing new blooms, a winding path, or the sun shining through the magnificent trees. I love that about nature, in those moments it captivates my imagination, even disengages my processing brain, and allows my heart and soul to be refueled. Hence my tagline of ‘Nature-Beauty-Wonder’.

In the studio, I like to create art that is authentic to me. I’ve never felt very comfortable with ‘realism’, painted landscapes or portraits. Even though I appreciate those you paint in these styles, it lacks a sense of spontaneity for me, I feel like I am just repeating something or copying.  I do however enjoy sketching the flora of the gardens for my botanical elements pattern designs.

I am therefore, not a big prepper when planning what I will paint or collage. I usually start with a loose idea of colours and shapes, theme etc. and find my best work has come when I just allow the work to unfold.  There is often a lot of movement in these types of works which instinctively give a sense of contemplation, and emotion to the voice of the artwork.

With formal training in horticulture and a country upbringing, I have not ventured too far from my roots, returning to live in the north east Victoria after thirty plus years in Melbourne, and now call Benalla, home.

Growing up on the land in Taminick, I spent a lot of time outside of school hours entertaining myself.  I am convinced this was the main influence behind my curiosity around creating things, experimenting how to implement ideas. My Dad was very innovative in how he ran the farm and business, and my Mum, a keen gardener, so I think some of their passions and drive rubbed off onto me. 

It is my belief that all art whether in the form of a photograph, a sculpture or a painting, has a voice. For me abstract art calls out to the onlooker to study it, find out why it draws their attention.  I love that aspect of this art form, it’s about the mystery and not everyone may understand the language it speaks or it’s interpretation, but those who do, experience the emotion and spirit it carries.

It’s always my intention for the viewer to be uplifted and encouraged and to experience to some degree, a sense of joy and wonder.