ABOUT THE ARTIST
THE EARLY YEARS
I have been an artist since childhood. I remember constantly drawing with pencils for hours, and often spending days on one piece. I grew up in a small northland town called Tinopai, which sits on the edge of the Kaipara Harbour. I attended Tinopai Primary School, and my projects always involved big pieces of cartridge paper with drawings and colourful fonts.
My intermediate years were spent at Ruawai College. We were often asked to study animals and their habitats, and I would make these huge life size animals from chicken wire, newspaper and glue. I fondly remember my kingfisher bird in its nest, and a big hammerhead shark which took up 3 seats on the bus to get it to school!
I was also involved in designing and coming up with a theme for the inside of our school assembly hall. My design was chosen, and our team led the project. We came up with some great drawings on the Maori story about the Three Baskets of Knowledge, obtained for mankind by Tane - God of the Forests. These drawings were cut into wood, painted and erected above the stage in our assembly hall.
Back then my art teacher was Mr Worthington, and he had the ability to bring out the best in us. He taught us how to think big and believe in ourselves. He would say "you can do this and you will do this. Now get on with it!" I still hear those words now as I'm working in my studio and I still work big, big paintings and big sculptures.
GROWING UP
We later moved to Whirinaki and I attended Opononi Area School. The art teacher there was Mrs MacDonald, another inspiring teacher and artist. She taught us to look at other artists from both NZ and around the world. Some of these artists are still inspiring me today: Robyn Kahukiwa, Ralph Hotere, Picasso and more. Mrs MacDonald taught me the importance of tone and how each subject and piece is affected by light and dark.
Being in the Hokianga gave me an opportunity to learn about my culture as a Maori. I was blessed to be a part of some great story telling by my grandfather and other elders at Marae functions. I had the best experiences learning Te Reo Maori, taking part in Kapa Haka performances and being part of a small community.
BIG CITY LIFE
After leaving high school I went to work in Auckland and did not pick up a paint brush again until my late twenties. I'd often work two jobs to pay for my sports and overseas travel. I started attending art workshops for painting and some sculpture. I then became more serious and attended a one-year art class held at Ponsonby Art Station. This felt very grown up! And it was here that I realised I wanted to be a full time artist. We studied Art History, Photography, Sculpture and Installations, Screen Printing and Painting. The teachers were all amazing artists themselves, and were very happy to help you.
When my daughter started preschool I was able to be more serious about my art. I made myself a studio in the old boat garage where I am now painting and making clay sculptures and ceramics.
INSPIRATION
Living near the sea has always been very important to me. My surrounds, with abundant bird life and marine animals, inspire me daily. I often take photos and collect driftwood on my beach walks to work with later. It's a nice quiet time where I can really think about the next painting or art piece.
NZ birds have also always been important to me (and my family), especially Kingfisher, Tui, Kereru, Mallard Duck, and Morepork. You will see I have chosen the duck as my logo - it was the duck that taught me to trust myself and paint intuitively. The duck appeared in one of my paintings just as I was about to give up on it. Once I saw it, I knew I had to keep going. The duck totem animal symbolizes energy, emotional strength, grace, clarity, living in the moment, family, protection, caring, nurturing - when I looked it this up, it really resonated with me.
The colours of the male Mallard Duck, with its proud chest of intense greens, blues, purples and natural tones work so well together.
CLAY & CERAMICS
Around three years ago I learned to hand-build using a more robust clay, called Red Raku. I really enjoyed our tutor at Auckland Studio Potters and I will never forget how I knew that day that I was meant to be a potter. I'm a little more abstract with my ceramic pieces and like to include a lot of the many stories and myths from my childhood.
I make both large hand built pieces to small ceramic bowls and vases. I will often combine my work from canvas to clay. I can be working on a painting and then also start a ceramic piece. Clay has been such a gift and has only enhanced my enjoyment in art making.
