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Born in Newcastle and growing up by Lake Macquarie I returned to Newcastle in 2011 after living on Kangaroo Island since the late 80's.

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Art has always been my joy and passion, but I was never able to seriously give it much focus, being the sole parent of two young children and busy work and family commitments.

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That is until late in 2021 when I began painting full time.

A series of unforeseen events the prior year had altered the whole direction of my life. Pursuing joy became my new mission and I knew it was time to dust off my dreams and make my long neglected art practice a priority.

 

Although having no real training, I've happily lost myself in art making for as long as I can remember. I always knew that art was my calling. However, being dissuaded by my parents from studying it after leaving school, I went into the most creative occupation I could find at the time and gained an apprenticeship as a sign writer. Traditional style, brushes and paint.

 

After completing my apprenticeship, my gypsy genes kicked in and I embarked on a working holiday around Australia. Two years in and I landed a job on Kangaroo Island. I was completely captivated by its wild, pristine environment and unique flora and fauna which further inspired and influenced my art, and later provided the perfect backdrop and unique home for my two children to grow up.

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By chance I was introduced to pastels by a local artist. I was instantly hooked and spent as much time as possible capturing on paper the beauty of my island home. A very productive period followed where I found myself repeatedly exhibiting and winning many awards including multiple People’s Choice awards, while my works found new homes locally, on the mainland and internationally.

 

After relocating to Newcastle I was finally able to take part in art workshops and more recently my work has taken a diversion into oils. Having a brush in my hand after so many years of painting signs seemed a natural progression, but I've had to work hard at loosening up!

I especially love to paint outdoors from life, en plein air, learning from close observation of nature, water and light and through hours of exploration and experimentation back home in the studio. Through my paintings I hope to evoke connection and response to this beautiful world we share.

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One of my favourite quotes from Eileen Caddy...

"Expect your every need to be met, expect the answer to every problem, expect abundance on every level, expect to grow spiritually."

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This was never my expectation when I embarked on my artists journey although it's become the reality and I wish you all the best on your journey, whatever that may be.

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