How long have you been drawing and creating?
Since early childhood I always wanted to be an artist. By kinder I was able to draw quite well and my first mural was in a Fairy Shop at age twelve.
Do you have any formal training in the arts?
After high school I completed a design course at TAFE, which included life-drawing classes. Other than that I’m self-taught. Half the fun of art is learning and discovering things on your own.
Why do you love drawing?
I guess I just love to use my imagination to create characters and scenes that are appealing to me - bringing my thoughts to life and sharing them with the world. I also find drawing to be quite relaxing and meditative...I can get lost in a painting for hours.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Anything and everything! Fantasy, books, people, nature, colours, feelings, things, words and my own twisted imagination.
Apart from the arts, what other interests do you have?
Just having fun and enjoying life! Friends, family, food, music, sunshine and kahlua. I like to play around with poi and collect interesting things on the beach. And kitties, I love kitties and one day I shall have a fat black one!
Where do you hope to be in three years?
Creating new art and doing exhibitions of course, but I'd really love to be working full time in the art/design industry by then.
A dear friend of mine and I have just begun working on a book together, using her creative writing skills along with my illustrations. I plan to focus my time and energy on successfully completing the book, so I suppose that will become my project over the next few years!
Do you think that the arts scene in Australia is well supported?
I do believe the Australian art scene is well supported, as there are many opportunities out there for young emerging artists. The key however is to get your work out there and be seen! Get out there and be part of everything you can. I'm amazed at how incredibly helpful and encouraging people are in the industry.
Which other artists do you admire?
Shirley Barber was my biggest inspiration in my earlier years, and I had the pleasure of meeting her in 1995. I was invited to visit her studio where she encouraged me to pursue my fantasy art and gave me advice on becoming an established artist. Another favourite is Brian Froud, creator of the labyrinth goblins and squashed faeries…he showed me the quirky and crazy side to faeryland.
