Artist Statement

For me the production of visual art provides three benefits. It challenges me daily to explore the possibilities of the mediums I choose to work with and the new ones I could consider. It inspires me to look into our natural world to discover her secrets and wonders, and it gives me a vehicle to return my gratitude by raising the awareness of my viewers to the precious state of our environment. My formal training is as Graphic Designer, with a focus for many years on illustration, branding and advertising. Throughout my profession I have also worked on drawing and painting commissions of an illustrative nature. I spent 4 years as an Art Guide for the Art Gallery of WA, finding exposure to the best visual arts from around the world a great influence on my approach to art. I focus many artworks on the endangered flora and fauna of southern WA to draw attention to them and donate a percentage of all earnings to nature conservation organisations. In my studio – The Merry Press – in Albany, West Australia, I produce works in drawing, mixed media, linocut and etching, and create handmade and published artist books. I offer art classes, and have taught for Albany Summer School and the Vancouver Arts Centre, Albany. I welcome visitors to my studio for personal viewings on request. I am the past Chair of ArtSouthWA, who produce the Southern Art and Craft Trail, a member of the MIX artists group, and advocate in a number of areas for increased recognition of and support for regional visual arts.