I enjoy telling people if it weren't for a roller skating incident, accidentally fracturing both arms, I may have never launched my art website.

 

The six weeks of recovery one finger typing and sharing my colourful artworks online was a wonderful form of distraction and gave my mind space to play when there really wasn't much else I was good for.

 

After the birth of my second child who was born with a genetic condition resulting in developmental delays and very high needs I had decided to pursue my art again, fitting around my life and responsibilities. My daughter required very slow night feeds via a tube, these quiet, long nights awake got me creating again.

 

“I realised I can’t control everything in life. I was taking my ability to create for granted. I refuse to waste another moment not making the most of my time on this planet making awesome images that make me smile (and cringe at times!) You get one chance at your life. My art is a bit of a selfish pursuit, it makes me feel great being able to express my ideas this way. 

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I balance creating with my day job, I spend most nights at home painting once the kids are in bed from 8.30 - 10.30pm.

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It's a busy life and I can't create as quickly as I might like or just when inspiration takes me. Instead I know that if I keep making art everyday, I will continuously improve, and provides the space for my imagination to 'play' and make mistakes! This allows the great ideas to be born, you just have to keep showing up, even if it's just for 2 hours a night once the kids are sleeping.

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Right now, I'm working on a seriously cool body of work. I spent 2 days in Wellington recently and insisted on walking everywhere between appointments. I ended up a bit of a hot mess, but saved a bit of carbon plus it was good for the ol' constitution.

 

The best part though, it gave me time to watch people, watch the movements and arteries of the city pump, to admire the beautiful architecture and see a snap shot of the vehicles and transport that represent this moment in time. I took 270 photos with my smart phone and these are the starting point I am drawing inspiration from to create some magic compositions based on and celebrating one of my favourite cities in New Zealand - Wellington.

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One other thing I'll note. Underlying all my artworks, no matter what wacky style, subject matter or method I use, they all are a celebration and commentary about our beautiful life on earth.

 

Behind every pretty fish or snapshot of a bustling city is the suggestion of transition, sustainability, time moving on, the impact we leave, of change, of growth, of loss. Our journey as citizens of earth is at a point of transition in so many ways, hurtling towards our futures. Will they be beautiful? Will my paintings hold images of creatures that in 20 years will no longer be? What can we control and how do we want to be remembered?

 

I can't wait to share them with you. Follow me on socials and sign up for my emails to get updates on my progress!

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