Welcome To My Homepage

Just to introduce myself as a practising artist

In 2004 I was awarded the Association of New Zealand  Embroiderers Guilds’ Travelling Scholarship and used this to complete a Certificate in Embroidery at the Royal School of Needlework in England in 2005. My aim in doing this traditional course was not only to learn the skills/rules but also to learn them so well that I could competently break the rules later in my creative endeavours. 

Prior to this I had a career spanning 34 years in the NZ Public Service.  Since 2005 I have completed a Diploma of Art & Creativity (advanced to stage 3) at The Learning Connexion.  

A committed feminist since the 1970s I search for ways to link my arts with my life experiences.  I like to demystify art and art practice and believe in the use of humour and exploring the obvious as a way of communicating.  I work in textiles as well as other art media.

My artistic influences are Joan Mitchell from the US and Agnes Martin from Canada – both contemporary abstract painters, and I have been profoundly influenced by many of the tutors at The Learning Connexion where I studied from 2005-9. I enjoy the work of many printmakers especially that of Ron Pokrasso and Mark Graver.  As an embroiderer my influences are my mother and two canvas work embroiderers, Peggy Field and June Linsley.

I have exhibited my work in The Learning Connexion exhibitions from 2005-2009, as a guest exhibitor at the Island Bay Arts and Crafts exhibition in 2006, in Gallery 159 Brisbane, and at Webster’s Gallery, Café Goblin and ROAR Gallery in Wellington NZ.  My work is held in collections in England and the USA and in Auckland, Wellington and Southland in NZ.