After living in various parts of New Zealand and Perth, Western Australia, I found Home, in New Plymouth. It is here that I began sculpting stone in 2006 and am privileged to be a member of Te Kupenga Stone Sculpture Society. I have moved to the lovely Hawke's Bay. We have bought a lovely property where I can work from home. 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 space at our home in Bridge Pa, Hastings.
Primarily sculpting Taranaki andesite, volcanic hardstone, I also enjoy Maratoto andesite and basalt. 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 prefer to work with simple forms that create strong silhouettes, light play and negative space. My sculptures tend to be expressions of personal journey, I can not create that which I do not feel. Sculpting, like life, is a journey of learning and a continuing dance.
Recently I have been experimenting with geometrics and hope to explore cubism. A fascination with the movement of smoke, steam, fire and clouds keeps pulling me back to curvaceous pieces. Somehow, someday, I will bring the two together !
I am starting to exhibit more widely. I enjoy the opportunities to share and learn created by attending symposia within New Zealand.