After living in various parts of New Zealand and Perth, Western Australia, I found home for 14 years, in New Plymouth. There I began sculpting stone in 2006 as a member of Te Kupenga Stone Sculpture Society. I later moved to the lovely Hawke's Bay. We bought a lovely property where I have my studio. There are plenty of sheds, an office / art room for me and a big work site. The site clearing process left me with a lot of wood to carve - I am loving this new learning. In 2017, I opened my own studio at our home in Bridge Pa, Hastings.
Primarily sculpting Taranaki andesite, volcanic hardstone, I also enjoy Maratoto andesite, basalt and most other hard stone. A foray into wood is bringing new learnings and challenges. Working from natural forms such logs and boulders allows me to let the media inform the design. My ultimate goal with each piece is bring out the natural characteristics of the medium - cracks, grain, inclusions, colour, proportions and degrees of hardness, all play a part in the final result. The partnership between the medium and myself perhaps explains why many of my sculptures reference aspects of relationships. I also enjoy using salvage timber - it's existing nail holes, splits, spalting, worm holes etc, are all signs of character to me and do not detract from the final piece.
I am exhibiting widely, mostly focusing on the lower half of the North Island. I enjoy the opportunities to share and learn created by attending symposia within New Zealand.