My daily bush walk with my Miniature Schnauzer Kyler sets me up for the day, allowing me to focus on my plans for the day, hopefully in the studio.
Before moving to Castlemaine in 1999, I was a teacher of porcelain art for many years in Melbourne. In 2002 I took the opportunity to study art seriously, where I rediscovered oil paint which I find endlessly challenging and seductive.
I am inspired by the bush, gardens and the objects around my home. The abstract shapes which appear everywhere in nature excite me as does the the light and atmosphere created by the weather. And then there is colour, how I love colour!!! My subject matter can be quite random but at present I am embracing “still life”. I attend a weekly life drawing group which helps my art practice enormously.
I lost my passion for painting for a time but working as a volunteer at the Castlemaine Art Museum for a number of years in various roles, including as a guide, reignited my passion. I have travelled widely and have seen some magnificent work but I feel so proud of our Australian artists both past and present.
Main Australian influences: Jeffrey Smart, Criss Canning, Anne Middleton, Kate Bergin.
EDUCATION
Visual Arts Bendigo (Victoria) TAFE 2002-2004 & 2009
Studied painting - oil and acrylic, drawing, life drawing, sculpture and photography which underpins my practice. I have also dabbled in watercolour and printmaking.
EXHIBITIONS
I have held four solo exhibitions –
2020 Open Studios - Castlemaine
2018 At “Lixouri” as part of the Castlemaine Festival of Gardens.
2010 TOGS CAFE, Castlemaine
2009 Bendigo TAFE
I have been part of numerous group exhibitions over many years, Rotary art shows including Camberwell, and school art shows including St. Kevin’s Toorak.
COMPETITIONS & PRIZES
I have won prizes for porcelain art, water colour and oil painting.
2023 Best Oil/Acrylic Castlemaine Rotary Art Show
2022 Finalist Len Fox Award, Castlemaine Art Museum
2022 Finalist National Capital Art Prize, Canberra
2010 Castlemaine Rotary Art Show, Best in Show