I have been passionate about art since I was young. I am a self-taught artist and have been painting seriously since 1996. I have a BA majoring in Art History from Victoria University, Wellington in New Zealand. My studies exposed me to many different schools of art and have been a great influence on my painting. I find inspiration in much of the world around me, especially from my travels to other countries and exposure to different cultures as well as the varied cultures of our South Pacific nation. I am currently employed at The Dowse Art Museum, Wellington, where I am constantly inspired by our collection of both fine and applied art and our varied exhibitions.
I work intuitively in my art practice as a mixed media artist. My artwork is constantly evolving as I experiment with new ideas, subjects and techniques and varies from figurative through to abstract I employ the use of both acrylic and oil paint, oil sticks, pastel, charcoal, pencil and encaustic. Colour, texture and surface detail play a prominent role in my paintings. My wish is to create an intimate landscape that evokes a tactile as well as visual response. I use mixed media techniques to explore the richness and texture of the world around us. A love of organic materials means I often use a variety of natural fibres and handmade papers, collaging them into my paintings to give texture and interest. In my current work I am exploring the use of various collage elements and ephemera to give further interest. I employ multiple layering techniques and translucent glazes to give my work depth, scratching and scraping back in places, at once concealing and revealing. This process of exposing layers and images underneath is reminiscent of an archaeological dig, conveying a sense of mystery and of the past.
I admire Pacific design especially those found in tapa cloth painting and this influence can be seen in my Pacific series. I use various Pacific motifs and designs. Featuring prominently in my 'Vessel' and various 'Pacific' series is the motif of a vessel, explored as either a container or a sailing vessel such as a canoe. With my Pacific series I feel I have affirmed my position as an artist of the Pacific, after years of looking back to my European roots for inspiration.
I have been a member of the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts since 2000 and have exhibited in a number of their group exhibitions. I have had two solo and two joint exhibitions and have participated in group shows around New Zealand. I also exhibit in several New Zealand galleries. My paintings are in private and corporate collections in New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, USA, Canada, The Netherlands, Germany and the UK. I currently work from my own studio in Wellington.