Tell us a bit about you.
I’m originally from the UK but have been lucky enough to have been living in Wellington since 2014. I balance my time between my art practice and being a parent with my partner to our two young girls, aged 3 and 5. When I can find any spare time outside of the above (which often isn’t much!), I enjoy hot yoga and visiting galleries. I also spend time out walking with my camera looking for new subject matter.
Tell us a bit about your art practice.
I underwent my formal art training to Postgraduate level back in the UK over 20yrs ago. Following this I began a career as a painter and prosthetic make-up artist in the Film and Television industry, a career I continued for the next 16yrs. It gave me the opportunity to work all over the world on various productions, and it was this career that first brought me to New Zealand. After having my family, I decided to return to my own art practice in 2022. My paintings feature abandoned, derelict, unusual and isolated buildings and structures. Now without purpose and no longer performing their function, I’m drawn to their somewhat forlorn, enigmatic and eerie presence. I aim to capture that atmosphere and the haunting beauty of these places within my work. As my work is very detailed it’s not unusual for me to spend 3-4 weeks on each painting.
How and when did you get involved with the show?
I was asked if I would like to exhibit this year.
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?
I’m currently working on some new pieces for the show, some featuring abandoned buildings from around the Greater Wellington area that might be recognisable. Leading up to the show I will be busy finishing paintings in the studio and getting my limited edition prints framed and packaged.
What are you most looking forward to about being part of this year’s show?
It’s always nice to talk to people about the work at shows like this. When work sells through galleries, as the artist, you often don’t know where it ends up or what drew people to it. Having those conversations is always so interesting and informative. I’m also really looking forward to meeting new artists, catching up with other artist friends and seeing all the amazing work.
