Ever since I can recall, I've used paint. Though I did 'art' at school, I am, for the most part, a self-taught artist. I was
born in 1967 in York, Western Australia and was educated in Papua New
Guinea & Canberra, Australia.
Over the years, I've been a model, a sales person, a makeup artist, a florist, a manager, a project officer, and more recently, exhibition coordinator for 'Blue'.
I have done part of a BA in Women's Studies through Deakin University but
since becoming a mum, I've had to put that on hold until I can create some more time!
All of my experiences; personal & professional, have become the foundation for expressing my ideas through painting. I am motivated by human rights issues and that the 'personal is political'. This, I expect, should be lifelong.
My work, generally, is figurative. I'm interested in how culture impacts women's lives, particularly the 'choices' we make and what we accept.
Portraits of women have become a major theme in my work; particularly those whom I admire or who have had an impact in my life in some way.
Also, as a response to my own situation, I often reference domesticity-the detritus, the tensions, and the joys & ironies.
I attempt to paint images which capture the intensity of daily life and represent this by applying thick layers using acrylic impastos with heavy, raised brushstrokes and, finally I enhance the layers and textures of the paint to create the final effect.
My images can be unexpected and sometimes uneasy but hopefully there is always something which is revealed.
I have been painting professionally since 2000, exhibiting & receiving commissions from
individuals and companies including GHD Pty Ltd.
In 2008 I participated in a successful group
exhibition, ‘The Colour Red’ at Yarralumla Gallery in Canberra. It was
opened by ABC News Presenter and author, Virginia Haussegger, whose
portrait I have since painted.
I had admired her for many years and I
felt particularly moved by her book, Wonder Woman -The myth of 'having it all'. Here is what Virginia thought about the painting:
