>ARTIST'S BIOGRAPHY / STATEMENT
I am a full-time visual artist based in Rodney, North Auckland.
I use a variety of media to create paintings, collages, sculpture and object art and am passionate about colour, materials and the creative process as an expression of identity and purpose.
Although I often begin with a point of enquiry and research before starting works, space is always allowed for spontaneous and intuitive gestural marks to play alongside more deliberate symbolic elements. Inspiration from the external world frequently collides with internal thoughts/journeys/stories on my chosen medium - a type of visual poetry which abstract art lends itself to beautifully.
Recently I've been focusing on building more layers in my work and experimenting with a variety of tools in addition to brushes - I love the variety of marks that can be achieved and the visceral effect it evokes. Conveying the energy and emotional response to my muse is always paramount in my practice.
After completing a BA in English and Sociology at the University of Auckland and a MA (Hons) degree in Sociology, I worked as a research analyst, journalist and later became the owner and director of a Fine Art gallery in Auckland which represented established New Zealand artists.
I have exhibited throughout New Zealand and my works are held in private collections nationally and internationally in the United States, Singapore, England and Australia.
>RECENT ART EDUCATION
Graduate of the "Creative Visionary Mentoring Program" facilitated by established artist and art teacher Nicholas Wilton (USA), 2018.
>AWARDS
Finalist - Fieldays No. 8 Wire National Art Award, ArtsPost/Waikato Museum, 2016
Finalist Members' Merit Exhibition & Awards 2017 Lake House Arts, Takapuna, Auckland.
>PUBLICATIONS/PUBLICITY
(wo)manpower - Interviews with 10 New Zealand women who are leading creative lives, following their dreams and inspiring others every day.
Zine edited by ZR Southcombe, First edition November 2015.
Māori Television - Interview on Māori News January 20, 2016 discussing sculpture in the Under Kaipara Skies 2016 sculpture exhibition
featuring NZ and international artists at Kaipara Coast Sculpture Gardens, Auckland.
Artist Interview, Quirky Fox Gallery, Hawera (Taranaki), September 2016.
Guest blogger Parkin Drawing Prize website, April 17, 2017.
Featured artist interview in Creative Ripple Magazine (NZ); January, 2018.