Tell us a bit about you.
I’m an artist who spends time between Queenstown and Seattle, a rhythm that gives me a unique blend of global perspective and a strong sense of home. I start my day with coffee, end it with a glass of wine, and, in between, I pour myself into my artwork.
My home on the waterfront in Queenstown is where I feel most grounded, it’s my calm space, where I find peace and creative energy. I have a strong sense of family, and I value time with friends and loved ones just as much as I treasure quiet moments alone, contemplating what’s next creatively. My work is driven by connection and a deep love for what I do. I love being by the water, walking into the mountains and travelling if I could, I would be travelling every other week. But my greatest joy is being a mum to my three children, who I am endlessly proud of.
Tell us a bit about your art practice.
I completed my Bachelor of Fine Arts over 20 years ago in Otago, but it’s only in more recent years that I’ve worked as a full-time artist. It was really about timing, finding that point in life where I could fully commit the energy and headspace to create again. But once I did, I hit the ground running and haven’t stopped since. I work primarily with epoxyglass, metallic pigments and mirror as my canvas. I’ve always been fascinated by the psychological and sensory power of colour, how it can shift a space or spark an emotion. Nature is a constant source of inspiration for me, and yes, I really do love flowers!
I’m drawn to nature’s mix of fragility, strength, and sheer beauty. My process is very hands-on and intuitive: I pour and layer resin over time, letting the materials flow and interact naturally, while still working with a high level of precision, even though my pieces are abstract. No two works are ever the same, and I love that unpredictability.
How and when did you get involved with the show?
This is my first time at the NZ Art Show, and I’m really excited to be part of it! I’ve held a number of solo exhibitions with both Parnell Gallery and Artbay Gallery, but I’ve never been involved in a national show before or connected much with the wider art community. It’s easy to work in isolation as an artist especially when you’re busy in your own practice but this year I decided it was time to engage more. I saw the NZ Art Show as an amazing opportunity to be part of something bigger.
What are you working on right now for the show? What does a typical day in the life look like for you between now and the show?
My work for the show will be a full bloom of mirrored art – bold, reflective, and full of colour. Without giving too much away, I’m exploring some new colourways and playing with scale to ensure there’s a real variety of works on show. In terms of day-to-day, it’s all go in the studio. I’ll be creating right up until the weeks before the show. My works are made completely from scratch, so my days are a mix of layering resin, refining compositions, juggling drying times, spray painting, sanding, and drilling. I’m not sure there’s such a thing as a “usual” day for me, but you can guarantee that every day either starts or ends with many hours spent in the studio. I usually kick off with coffee, and then it’s hands-on right through into the afternoon.
What are you most looking forward to about being part of this year’s show?
To be honest, I’m not entirely sure what to expect, but I’m really looking forward to meeting collectors, sharing my work with people who connect with it, and meeting other artists. I’m also excited about the unknown possibilities that come with being part of something new. It’s a little daunting stepping into a new space like this, but that’s also what makes it so interesting, and I think some of the best experiences come from stepping outside your comfort zone and trying new things.
