As a child I was always drawing, colouring and searching for the satisfaction from creating something. My mother expressed her creative talents through sewing, knitting and crochet, so I guess I got my creative bent from her. To satisfy my artistic craving I was sent to art classes on Saturday mornings while my sisters played sport. In high school I was fortunate to have a great art teacher who encouraged me to go to art school and under her guidance I sat the entrance exam and succeeded in getting a four year scholarship to the The South Australian School of Art (SASA). I graduated from SASA in 1974 as a Graphic Designer and after 18 years working in the industry I set up my own graphic and web design business, retiring in 2019. During my graphic design career I dabbled with painting including participating in a couple of courses at the Central School of Art. In 2019 I threw myself wholeheartedly into my painting, exploring impressionist realism before experimenting with painting intuitively; responding to what showed up on the canvas as I played with materials and ideas. I found this incredibly exhilarating as marks, surface effects and combinations of materials surprised me, resulting in work that referenced ideas and thoughts, that in no way could have been planned. I became more and more enchanted with the accidental mark. I love Incorporating collage elements. Some of which is hidden under many layers of paint to create texture and history in the work which gives it a richness. I want my painting to be intepreted by the viewer as they bring their own perspective to it, and experience surprise by unpredictable combinations of the accidental and intentional; the laboured and free marks, in paint and mixed media, culminating in a rich balance that is satisfying and holds their attention. Life is my inspiration. Life is largely unplanned, you respond to what shows up along your path, it requires discipline, risk, and curiosity to find your place and identity in the greater picture. All this is true in the process of painting also.
Exhibitions:
- Karatta Wine Room and Gallery, Robe 2021 (Ongoing)
- Southern Ocean Art Prize 2021
- Walkerville Art Show 2021
- I see you, you see me, Gallery 1855 2021
- Sala 2021 (sell out)
- Kern Art Prize 2021
- Loxton/Riverland Art Trail in 2018 and 2019
- Walkerville Art Show 2020
- Art Red Hill, 2020
- Besties, Gallery 1855, 2020
- Remade, Gallery 1855, 2021
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