In 1969 I received an Art award from the renowned Australian artist Lloyd Rees, and in 1973 graduated from East Sydney Art School with a Diploma in Art Education.
I held my first exhibition, which was in ceramics, in Paddington, Sydney in 1994.
In the earlier years of my career, I majored in two dimensional art techniques, but since completing a Teachers Certificate in Ceramics in 1990, I now work on clay as my drawing and painting surface.
After extensive exploration of underglazes and other clay surface techniques, I have now developed my own unique style.
After applying underglaze onto ‘greenware’ [moulded, but unfired clay], I cut through the underglaze into the surface of the clay with a scrafitto tool. This technique gives each of my clay designs a very tactile surface. Each piece of clay has been ‘bisqued’ fired and then glaze fired.
I use Australian products, as both glazes and underglazes are food safe. Although all of my works are original, they can often be grouped together as a ‘corner concept’ [candle sticks, pot and platter are grouped with a painting with common design elements].
The inspiration for my work comes from the Australian landscape and seascape, and the forces of nature. The elements of earth, water, sky and wind, and the changes in the elements are reflected in the colours and shapes that move about on the clay. I often incorporate bead-work, using crystals and glass to enhance the effect of light and colour.
I commenced jewellery design in 2001, as it evolved from threading of beads through the ceramics. My jewellery designs are an extension of my love of the decorative qualities of light, colour and glass. Semi-precious stones set I silver become the focal point around which I design.
By sourcing beads from many countries [India, Sri Lanka, China, Indonesia and the Middle East], my palette of textures and colour is extensive.
As an artist, I want my jewellery pieces to excite the eye, and to give its owner a personal piece of artwork to wear.
The more I bead, I have a sense that stones, beads, textures and colour come together to form a three dimensional, wearable piece of art.
All my designs are originals, be they ceramics, jewellery or painting.
My designs are currently on display at galleries in Sydney and Uluru [Ayers Rock], and in private collections in Australia and overseas.