Di is a retired naval officer turned full-time artist living in Morpeth, a historic village on the banks of the Hunter River. She is passionate about creating works rich in colour, light, and texture, achieved through her unique choice of materials.
Di's artistic process is a unique blend of digital manipulation and traditional painting. Influenced by Anselm Kiefer, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, and the early works of Wassily Kandinsky and Franz Marc, she deconstructs and reconstructs her subjects. She explains, "I love deconstructing and reconstructing a subject. I initially photograph the subject and digitally manipulate the image to bring it back to its simplest form. I then paint the image as I see it, layer upon layer, sanding and shaping in between layers." This process is a testament to her dedication and creativity.
Di's art is not just about landscapes and cityscapes. She also adds a touch of fun and satire to her work. Her series include playful themes such as Dr. Seuss, Clown, Ned Kelly, and Pelican Books. This playful and satirical aspect of her art adds a unique dimension to her work and showcases her versatility as an artist.
Born in New Zealand in the early 1960s, Di spent much of her childhood on her family's sheep farm in Waihi. She moved to Australia in the mid-1980s and pursued a career in information technology and communications before serving as a logistics officer in the Royal Australian Navy. These diverse experiences shape Di's choice of subject matter, mainly landscapes, cityscapes, and industrial structures.
In 2019, Di embarked on a six-month art study tour in Europe. She painted street art with Riccardo Nannini, a.k.a. Cane, and turned trash into art with Francisco de Pajara in Barcelona. She studied painting techniques with Frances Sillue in Sitges and pursued independent study in Monet's Garden, Giverny, through the Foundation Claude Monet. "I was privileged to be granted exclusive access to Monet's gardens for an entire evening to sketch and paint. This was a dream come true and probably the highlight of my creative life."
Di is currently studying for a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Sculpture, which she will complete in late 2024.