Born in the quaint Plantagenet Hospital and growing up in the farming community of Denbarker, I had the privilege of being immersed in a rural setting that allowed space to ponder, create and simply be. My drive to paint led me to leave my isolated universe and complete a BA in Visual Arts at ECU in Perth. After finishing this degree, I concluded that painting would never pay the bills. Marrying, moving back to the country and completing a horticultural certificate led to a decade of seasonal farm work. After the birth of two sons, a more generous income was needed, so back to the city we went, and a teaching degree was obtained. Thus began a journey around the state teaching in various locations. After seventeen years and four towns, I finally returned to my hometown. Choosing Mount Barker and building a home here was an easy decision. I had the privilege of painting murals with Johnno and the Walldogs and met so many of our local artists and creatives. I have become captivated by the striking sunsets and the way they envelope and illuminate my Mountain Country town in the muted colours of an evening. Capturing this light, in an intimate series of realistic paintings, is my way of celebrating once again being in my hometown. The series depicts unique compositions, portraying ‘everyday’ afternoons with interesting street perspectives, which include power lines, rubbish bins and parked cars. Viewed at a distance, my paintings have a photo-like realism. However, on closer inspection, the viewer discovers intricate layers of textural acrylic. Clouds and skies consume my practice, and the shadows draw me in with a myriad of muted colours created from a basic, primary palette. I then overlay and detail with fine line-work using Posca pens.
