About Me
I was born in Canada and raised in Aotearoa New Zealand. I currently live in Reefton on the West Coast of Te Wai Pounamu, The South Island. There is plenty of wilderness/wildness here, giving time and space to think
and breathe as an artist. My creative practice involves research and observation. Colour and balance lead me.
The joy I feel when painting is immense. I work mainly in oil, though I like to delve into the mixing of possibilities, by adding and exploring other mediums when put into close proximity.
Trish Saunders
“Beyond the frame, life is a risky business.”
Claire Beynon
My Journey
We can wish for what might have been had we only known, or we can start today.
I thought art was only for the boy at school who drew better than everyone else from a young age. I am so glad I was wrong.
Once I began painting, as an adult, there was no going back.
I have entertained friends and family by putting myself through my ‘degree’ by following an arts university curriculum. Reeftons’ gold is not only from mining. We have some amazing artists here and Reefton Gallery is a Fine Arts Gallery that has been operating for 25 years.
I have learned from these artists as well as some international teachers and here I am today, realising that this was always meant to be.
My Goal
While figuring out my creative journey, I was given a grant of $500 at one point. It was from a group of women. It needed no paying back and no accountability report. I was asked what I wanted to put it towards and that was it. Total trust and investment given.
I forgot about this for years until recently when visiting our local community house in Reefton, named ‘Who Cares’. What I know is that they care, yet funding is hard to get.
I am now able to give back, and I share this, so that you can too. 100% of sales proceeds from my painting go to ‘Who Cares’.
In a world that often wants to pull us towards division and hate, belonging and community commitment are a form of resistance.
Welcome to my website and please find the links to Reefton Gallery and Reefton Who Cares House below. Thank you for reading and connecting with me/us.