PROCESS
I always start with an element that captivates me, such as a colour palette on a wall, a flower, an image, or spoken words that strongly resonate with me at that particular time. I work intuitively, playing and expanding on a succession of thoughts and ideas, always looking at things through different perspectives. I then gather more detailed elements that sit within the distinct concept. I record notes, immerse myself in field research, collect materials, objet d’art, oddities and paint swatches. I sketch unusual and abstract patterns, shapes, forms and lines that I observe. I refer to my extensive catalogue of snapshots and capture more imagery and textures when required. I assemble these elements into large moodboards which becomes a powerful visual resource to refer to throughout the creative process. In the studio, over time, layers and layers of mixed media artwork emerges – tactile art journals, textile and paper collage compositions and assemblages, sculptural objects, repeat pattern designs and motifs, figurative and botanical illustrations, photographs and various other handmade and digital surface prints.
INFLUENCES
I have always been a maker and collector of things. My mother was a dressmaker, and my father was a tailor and landscape artist, they both played an influential role in nurturing my passion and knowledge in textiles, pattern making, apparel design & drawing. I have sweet memories when I was a little girl sitting by my mother, watching her make beautiful garments with luxurious fabrics. My mother would pass the off cuts and remnants to me that she no longer required. With my tiny sewing machine, I would make my own imaginative fabric constructions that were pleasing to me. The gifts of time and teaching given to me from my parents continued right throughout my years and directed my pathway to pursue further studies in art and design.
My extensive travels and adoration for primitive textile works has placed me in some of the most interesting and exotic countries such as India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Japan, where I have invested time into learning ancient craft techniques from the local artisans. When I am back in the studio, I like to use these techniques, skills, materials and tools that I have acquired in my own explorative and experimental ways. This unconventional practice has enabled me to discover new methods that I specifically use for my own artistic expression.
My qualifications and experience in Landscape Design & Visual Arts has allowed me to work in the art and design field for over 25 years. I have worked in a diverse range of interior and exterior environments for spatial design and having commissioned many contemporary art installations. The technical side of my design work utilises both graphics software and building modelling software to present digital art, detailed two-dimensional technical drawings and three-dimensional photo realistic rendered drawings. These incredibly helpful tools help to assist in effectively communicating the project from concept to visualization.
STUDIO
My studio resides at my private residence in the Dandenong Ranges. Our large established garden and the forest beyond supplies me with an abundance of rich resources. My eclectic themed garden embodies contrasting and complimentary colour palettes, exterior art installations, trickling water sources and hidden havens offering intimate spaces to rest, listen, draw from, or to be inspired by the beauty that surrounds. My lush tropical garden supplies me with large leaves to make imprints onto various surfaces, and my botanical dye garden bestows me with an abundance of dye plants from indigo, berries, roses, geraniums, marigolds, sunflowers, eucalyptus and so much more!
My deep appreciation for the environment, regenerative living and slow processes, is an integral part of the philosophy behind my art practice. Using natural dyes and non-toxic paints and inks, where 80-90% of the materials I use are reclaimed or recycled from various sources, and the absolute joy I gain from this redemptive practice is a rich blessing from my Creator. If you would like to collaborate with me, please send a message at
THE STORY
Immersed in the rural villages of India I intently observe my surroundings allowing myself to look through a lens of “feeling” to see the visual cues that evoke emotional responses within me. Suddenly I’m enchanted by the simple things, from the kaleidoscope of silk sari colours that sway and mingle together as the graceful women walk and talk throughout their day. Draped clothing and strips of dyed fabric that hang out to dry, crinkled up garments that have been placed over textured, ancient walls. Shy and curious little ones wearing adorable outfits, standing against turquoise walls, beckoning me to photograph them. I capture it all, their faces, colour combinations, shapes and unusual folds. Other inspirations continue back home, in the garden, I notice the last rose of the season, I choose to preserve her beauty in a myriad of forms. A venture to an abandoned botanical garden, where the traces still remain of a once majestic place. I’m enthralled by the abundance of rare heirloom plants, and snip just a few cuttings in remembrance of this charming moment in time. I wander over to the overgrown Fatsia, I’m prompted to dwell under its large palmate leaves, the light is filtering through, and I start to sketch the extraordinary patterns. My love for Mexican architecture and Luis Barragan’s signature pink walls. I ponder and play with all these ideas to form a unique body of work, that I call:
“Preserved remnants of beauty”
