I live just north of Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland in Aotearoa/New Zealand, in a run-down old vicarage that I moved onto a piece of land beside the Rangitopuni River, a tributary of the Waitematā Harbour. I’m so lucky to still look over a rural landscape as the city marches relentlessly towards me, gobbling up farmland with the construction of endless Lego houses.

I have been an artist for over 30 years and have exhibited previously. 

I have always loved drawing, painting and music. I play music most days, but with art, I’ve picked it up and put it down, as life occupies and distracts so easily. However, in the past few years, I have made a concerted effort to draw or paint regularly and happily discovered watercolour, which I find absolutely mesmerising. I’ve painted with oils and pastels at various times and I find they are more forgiving. Drawing is my comfort zone. With watercolour, I find I really have to plan and think about it carefully. I am also a beginning printmaker, again a medium that requires much thought. 

I have a Visual Arts Cert from MIT Auckland and a Film and Television Cert from UNITEC. This  took me to film, as I love imagery and storytelling. I then diversified to writing and freelance editing. My first career was in education and for the past 18 years, I’ve been privileged to be involved in mentoring young children in the Montessori preschool I established in my local community. Every day it's a joy to see little souls unfolding, and their pure love for life is invigorating.