Why I do what I do

I am a New Zealand mixed media artist living in Wingatui, Dunedin.I have a DFA from the Dunedin School of Art but my life has been an ongoing process of learning, playing with materials and experimenting.

I have had solo shows during the ‘90’s and 2000’s (Dunedin) but currently exhibit at the Otago Art Society and various galleries and art shows around New Zealand.

I have worked with painting, drawing, paper mache, air dry and oven bake clays. The handmade aspect and space for imagination is important for me, as is the joy in making art.

The Materials

One of the things that motivates me is the exploration of materials and discovering how to use the qualities to my best advantage.

As a mixed media artist there is a lot of exploring and testing behind the scenes to ensure the works are stable, the structure is firm and the glues will hold.

I use polymer and air dry clays over a wire armeture. The pieces are painted with acrylic paint and varnished, often finished with NZ possum fur and recycled jewelry.

My focus for the last while has been making figurines, masks and wall hung sculptures from polymer and air-dry clays. I rarely plan a work in detail, rather beginning with a broad idea and letting the work speak to me and guide me towards a conclusion. I love the feeling of exploration and mystery, of chasing an idea and being not quite sure where it’s going to end. It’s like a little journey!

My work reflects my love of nature, twisted vines and trees, mosses, animals, birds, insects and an interest in stories and mythology.

I come back to painting regularly and my paintings also reflect this approach of exploration and love and respect for the mediums I work with. I am drawn to fantasy themes, imaginary works with a slightly sinister feel.

Patterns in paint, twisted branch-like shapes with a suggestion of figures or faces are a focus of my paintings along with a story-like feel.

Care

I am often asked how to care for the pieces. Although they look fragile, the works are quite tough, and the clay surface can be brushed gently with a brush to dust or will handle the occasional wash with water.