“I grew up in Africa and spent my youth riding horses, daydreaming by the side of a stream, observing wildlife and sketching.
I trained as a classical ballet dancer and teacher. Many years later I studied art under the guidance of the late Carlo Sdoya in South Africa.
In some way I have always had a burning desire to create, whether through dance, choreography, writing or fine art. It has always been a driving force.
Working in a variety of mediums the subject matter usually dictates the direction of each piece. When painting with acrylic medium I use a multi layering technique to develop rich colour and texture. The play of light and interaction between my chosen elements invites the viewer on a journey of reflection.
I am constantly searching for little treasures to add to my collection of organic and man-made objects. The challenge is to combine these elements to convey a story. Setting up a still life by arranging fruit, antiques, dried leaves and creating an interesting composition can be challenging. I aim to create mood, harmony and a sense of timeless tranquillity.
The use of old and new objects is symbolic of the wisdom of the past standing alongside the freshness of youth, which mirrors life itself.
On a daily basis objects play a large role in our lives yet how much thought do we really give to each of them?”
Auction Donations include:
2020 Koala Foundation Australia,
2019 Baby rhino rescue, America
2018 Innovation 40th anniversary. Raising funds for Dr Jane Goodall Foundation
2018 SAFE (Saving animals from euthenasia)
2017 Explorers against Extinction London, UK
2016 Painted Dog Conservation
2016 Mayors Fire Relief Fund
2015 Lionaid London, UK - especially commissioned in memory of 'Cecil the lion'
Solo Exhibitions include:
2016 Pullman Resort, Bunker Bay, WA
2014 Wills Domain Gallery, Yallingup WA
Group Exhibitions include:
2021 Journey - Then and Now, The Studio Gallery WA
2020 Inside an Artist’s Studio, The Studio Gallery WA
2019 Studio Treasures, The Studio Gallery WA
2017 Ocean – Artist’s Inspiration, The Studio Gallery
2017 The Great Australian Landscape, The Studio Gallery WA
2016 Little Treasures, The Studio Gallery WA
2016 Inside an Artists Mind, The Studio Gallery WA
2015 Christmas Exhibition, The Studio Gallery WA
Awards include:
2021 - Finalist Jury Art Prize, Port Hedland WA
2021 - Selected - Artists for Conservation - ‘International Exhibit of Nature in Art’, Vanvouver, BC
2021 - Finalist Minnawarra Art Awards, Perth WA (Two paintings)
2021 - Vasse Art Award, WA
2020 Shortlisted Southwest Survey, Bunbury
2020 - LST 10th Anniversary Exhibition Special Merit
2020 - LST 10th Anniversary Exhibition special recognition
2020 - Light Space and Time Animals in Art Special merit award
2019 Special merit award Light Space and Time Animals in Art
2019 Special merit award Light Space and Time Animals in Art
2019 Shortlisted for the Busselton Art award
2017 Winner of 'Best environmental message' Baby Rhino Rescue, America
2015 People’s Choice Minawarra Art Award
International selection for collaborative exhibitions:
2019 – 2014 Artist’s for Conservation - ‘International Exhibit of Nature in Art’
2019 & 2014 David shepherd Foundation ‘Wildlife Artist of the Year’ London’, UK
Workshops include:
2019 & 2015 - Australind Art Society, Western Australia - 1 day mixed media
2015 Invited to co-present children’s workshops, Grouse Mountain Vancouver, Canada, BC
Judging:
2019 Busselton Art Society 60th anniversary
Canning Art Award WA
Artist in Residence:
2020 – 2016 The Studio Gallery, Yallingup, WA
2013 Artist in residence and tour leader for a 2 week African Art Safari to Zimbabwe raising $6,000 for the Save African Rhino Foundation
Illustrations & Publications:
2019 - 2015 Artists for Conservation 'International Exhibit of Nature in Art'
2017 Featured artist in Rhino Images - Art and the Rhinoceros - ebook to raise funds for Rhino conservation
2017 Creative Artists magazine publication June no18 - featured artists and demo.
2016 Busselton Dunsborough Times - Studio Gallery portrait exhibition '
Teaching:
1996 – 2007 RAAFA Village Club - all media classes
1996 - 2015 Private tutoring - all media classes
1995 - 2001 Canning Arts Group - all media
1972-1975 Zimbabwe: Chisipite Junior School
Featured Artist includes:
2018 Payet Gallery, Margaret River, WA
2016 Monet Gallery for January
2016 Featured Artist of the day 'Artist for Conservation' online
2015 Colour in your life' television program, Australia
Working in a variety of mediums the subject matter usually dictates the direction of each piece. When painting with acrylic medium I use a multi layering technique to develop rich colour and texture. The play of light and interaction between my chosen elements invites the viewer on a journey of reflection.
I am constantly searching for little treasures to add to my collection of organic and man-made objects. The challenge is to combine these elements to convey a story. Setting up a still life by arranging fruit, antiques, dried leaves and creating an interesting composition can be challenging. I aim to create mood, harmony and a sense of timeless tranquillity.