Artist's Statement I started by following the traditional master painters in oils and developed into working with acrylic and recently egg tempera. My current paintings acknowledge images that are strongly identified with New Zealand Aotearoa. I have produced a series of paua shell still life paintings that captured the public imagination and these paintings began my public profile. I also love being out and about reproducing the stunning landscapes of New Zealand Aotearoa. My landscape paintings have captured the sunset over Akaroa Harbour, the snow capped majestic Southern Alps, a storm brewing over Lake Tekapo and the braided rivers of the Canterbury Plains.

I am constantly in awe of nature's beauty and the interplay between the land and sky. This is the motivation behind my paintings.

Biography

I was born in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1970. I am the youngest of 5 children and consequently spent a lot of time by myself as there was a 6 year age gap to the next youngest and a 14 year age gap to the eldest. I was always interested in drawing even as a very young child. It was during my primary school years that I discovered that I was really talented and that other children wanted me to help with their drawing projects.

I was fortunate enough to have an artist that influenced my thinking- Natalie Everett (my aunt's mother-in-law). She taught me how to think like an artist and she assured me that artist's blocks do go away!!

Although I am largely self taught I have spent many hours studying both traditional and contemporary artists and particularly current New Zealand artists.

I have also explored sculpting and have sold several pieces to private collectors. I also teach stone sculpting around the Canterbury region.

I am grateful to my family and friends who have supported me in my art journey.

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