About Me
I am for the most part a self taught artist originally from a small town called Wairoa in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. I have always been painting and drawing in my spare time since I was very young. During my college years I studied visual art, art history and graphic design, completed multiple commissions and entered in small local competitions .
In 2007 I moved to Wellington to complete a four-year part-time course at the Learning Connexion Art School. Here I was able to receive guidance to improve on my skills and broaden my knowledge of drawing techniques, different materials and personal creativity. While at this art school I was able to take part in an art communication and administration course, participate in school held group exhibitions, exhibit in local galleries, enter into the New Zealand Art Show held in the Wellington TSB Arena and participate in two group exhibitions with my Illustration class at St James Theatre.
In the last couple years at the art school, I took on a large project studying human anatomy in pencil. After taking some life drawing classes I developed a curiosity to delve deeper into exploring the human form from the inside out. Each drawing is a reflection of how our biomechanics can be so similar and connected to those of the natural and artificial world in which we interact. This study resulted in a sale at the NZAS, as well as my first solo art exhibition in 2011. I continue to draw anatomical drawings primarily in pencil but hope to begin developing some work in scratchboard as well.
Through my illustration classes at the art school, I was introduced to scraper board. I was instantly drawn to this unique medium; it requires scraping away an outer coating of black ink to reveal the white underneath. Beautiful textures and detail can be created with striking black and white contrasting, although colour can also be added.
I completed the art course in 2011 with a NZQA Level 6 Stage 2 Diploma in Art and Creativity Certificate. Following art school, I worked in the pet care industry for several years but in 2017 I decided it was time for a change and completed 3 and a half years of distance study through Massey University gaining a Bachelor in Agri-Business, majoring in rural property valuation.
I officially graduated in November 2021 and am now gaining necessary practical experience and building working relationships with relevant industry members and organizations as I work towards becoming a registered valuer.
I now reside in Blenheim with my partner and despite pursuing this new career pathway I am still continuing with my artwork in my spare time. Scratchboard is my main medium of focus now, but I also continue to do pet portraiture, art competitions and exhibitions.
My Pets
I grew up surrounded by family pets, mostly cats and dogs, but quickly developed a love for horses. I find animals have the ability to bring joy, positivity, unconditional love and that reason to just get up and get on with things, to just live life doing what you love most. Their personalities and different characters are also forever endearing.
I have enjoyed a variety of volunteer work through the SPCA, Wellington Zoo and Riding for the Disabled (RDA) which was a fun way to stay connected with my passion for animals while I was living in Wellington city and at the time could not have pets of my own. I valued this time greatly, being able to give a little back to the animals and the people/organizations who are dedicated to them.
Unfortunately, I don't have any horses at the moment as I had to lay to rest my two, Banjo (Middle) due to old age and Nero (Far right) due to injury.The pets currently in my life include my little old bun Toby, Hunter the foxy and Luna the cat.
