I was born in Perth (WA) on the 5th of May 1954. Even as a child I already spent most of my time in the garden exploring nature which I then attempted to draw. I watched in fascination as my grandmother painted flowers on fabric and ceramic plates and canvasses. I was about 13 when she passed away and I inherited her oil painting set and canvasses. I painted on cardboard or any material I could get my hands on. Once I received art lessons through school there was no stopping me. I attended special after-school art lessons and was more and more inspired by the light, colours and textures of WA.
After High School I did 3 years of Graphic Design followed by Teacher’s Training College Nedlands and achieved my Diploma in teaching Art. Encouraged to paint Australian nature by an old mentor and Art Teacher, Mr. Totenhofer - I continued to draw and paint and had my 1st Exhibition at the Cremorne Art Gallery in Perth in 1979.
My most influential teacher was Gillian Kaye Peebles (ne Aitken), a private tutor who taught me art theory, the control of colour and light/shadow as well as perspective. That enabled me to find my “voice” in expressing my feelings on canvass and paper and showcase my art in numerous exhibitions over the years.
In recent years I discovered that I have a love for mosaics that allows tactile use of texture and colour that could be used to refurbish and create new appreciation of old tables, chairs, vases and any other retro furniture. This gives me a new physical way of expressing myself.
I wish to share with the public my love for the beauty of the Australian landscape. I want my work to be positive, uplifting and re-connect people with nature as I see the rush to technology leaves a distance between their artificial environment and nature.