Artist’s Statement
I use a variety of materials and processes but I am predominantly a painter using acrylics. Travelling helps me find examples of the unexpected in all corners of Australia. My art is not about localities but rather about the emotional experiences encountered.
I am wanting the viewer to walk with me as I find these pristine spaces. Research and exploration are then a large part of how I work and the excitement of the studio environment, and the joy of seeing my vision emerging on a canvas, never wavers.Biography
While working in health I studied art with the dream of having a full time art career. After completing a Bachelor of Creative Arts in 1995, at USQ in Toowoomba life became hectic as I exhibited in over 40 solo exhibitions in Australia, USA, China, Japan, Hong Kong and New Zealand. As well as exhibiting in many mixed exhibitions, I wrote, illustrated and published four sought after books on creative processes. My work is in many private and business collections and in several major regional galleries around Australia, and I am currently an exhibiting artist with Feather and Lawry Gallery in Toowoomba.
Influences
Working in my studio at Ningi brings me closer to my childhood home. Exploration remains a huge part of my art process. As I travel and gain inspiration from the land I find emotional freedom and energy working from nature. Over the years I have been influenced by many artists including Chinese/ French artist Zao Wou-Ki . This has increased my interest in producing art that has a spiritual reflective aspect and leans towards a more abstract interpretation of the landscape.
Awards
Over a long career there have had many highly commended awards, and some first prizes - 2004 the Stockland Art Award, 2007 the AMRO MORGAN Flying Arts Regional Award, and in 2008 and 2015 the Ipswich Art Awards. Having been the recipient of three significant RADF Grants and an artist in resident program with Flying Arts in 2015, there has also been inclusion in several art publications, and requests to judge art awards, twice with the Matthew Flinders Art Award.
Exhibitions
The many exhibitions in commercial and regional galleries, both in Australia and overseas, are detailed in CV's on my websites. I have had many exciting adventures in the pursuit of an art career including being involved with Austrade in exhibitions in Santa Fe, Los Angles and Shanghai and giving workshops and exhibiting in New Zealand and Japan. My art has been exhibited in solo travelling exhibitions in Queensland, NSW and South Australia Regional Galleries.
Website
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