A few years ago, seeking to fulfil a creative longing, I put paint to canvas for the first time and discovered so much more than I bargained for. As I poured my heart onto the canvas, I found I was able to reframe the uncomfortable events occurring in the world into a thing of beauty… so my love affair with painting began.
Painting is almost meditative for me. Whilst nature provides an never ending array of divine inspiration, the process of putting paint to canvas allows me to express the deep meanderings of my heart. The unfolding of the composition, palette, and mood, enables understanding in a way my conscious mind struggles to achieve alone, and provides a bigger picture awareness to any conflicts I may be grappling with. This duality gives energy to my work – unity from polarity - the both/and, higher/lower perspectives contrast yet exist (and express) simultaneously. From that, I strive to infuse each piece with the transformative power that wisdom can offer. I consider each artwork like an abstract mandala then, radiating beauty, love and gorgeousness out into the world, and it becomes my service to spirit.
Growing up in New Zealand and Australia, I have always been moved by the amazing land and seascapes around me. Earth anchors me and is my constant, unfailing source of inspiration. The natural world doesn’t strive to be beautiful, yet it is, by its very being-ness, exquisite. At the same time, I trust in the essential goodness of humanity- at least at its core so nature provides an ideal metaphor for that human potential.
Furthermore, despite its delicate fragility, the environment is simultaneously strong and resilient, however its demise or survival depend on the choices we make. We are all connected - to one another and to the world around us - and every action has an impact on everyone and everything else. Accepting this, the power for meaningful transformation emerges as we take responsibility and begin to heal unconscious wounds restoring harmony and reconnecting to our essential whole self.
In a sense then, as an artist I strive to decode the beliefs and fears that limit and pigeonhole our perspective, by deconstructing forms found in nature. A story emerges as paints, charcoals, conte crayons and a variety of other mediums are layered over each other, each revealing a little of what lay before it. Movement is created through the interaction of elements, often revealing a powerful feminine perspective – curvy, rounded and sometimes sensual - organic elements woven together into an entirely new composition.
I am proudly represented by Flagstaff Gallery in Auckland and Fine Art and Framing in Christchurch, and exhibit through local art shows throughout the year. I have been an invited artist at Art in the Park since the inaugural show - see details of the next 2024 show on my news page. My work has been featured in the Feminist Art Museum's 'Protect and Protest' exhibition and I have been a featured artist in Art Market (International) Magazine and Aoteoroa Artist Magazine.
