I was born in Auckland, New Zealand. I am a graduate of both Elam School of Fine Arts, (Dip FA) and Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design (MFA Hons). I am also a qualified high school teacher (DipTchg). The early days of my career focused on teaching art to high school students, and during this time I was an assessor/examiner for national art examinations - School Certificate Art, University Entrance and University Bursary. I went on to a tertiary position at the ASA School of Art in Auckland. During this time I also ran workshops in drawing, oil painting, mixed media painting, and experimental techniques. I have taught art classes for adults for many years and have enjoyed taking residential workshops and art retreats at Mangawhai Heads and in Italy.

Alongside my teaching, I was also developing my career as a painter. Since 1988 I have had twenty solo exhibitions and have exhibited in around thirty group shows. I worked with both oil paint and mixed media painting techniques. I have always enjoyed exploring the possibilities within techniques and materials. In 2000, "International Artist" magazine, published in USA, ran an eight page article featuring me and my mixed media technique which combines gouache and oil pastel.

Since January 2006 my practice has been interdisciplinary, utilising digital photographic processes.

Although I live and work in New Zealand, I have also travelled overseas to Europe to paint. In 1993 I travelled to France on a solo journey of personal and creative growth. This proved to be a turning point for me in many ways and I returned each year, first to France and later to Italy, to paint. These journeys also provided me with challenge and adventure, and a time for reflection. Sometimes I travelled alone, and sometimes I travelled with another artist. In 2004 I had a wonderful opportunity to travel to Jordan in the Middle East. I returned there later in the year for an exhibition in October 2004.

From 1998 to 2005, I led group tours to Umbria each June. I also enjoy holding residential workshops at our bach at Mangawhai Heads.

In 2006 I commenced study for my Master of Fine Arts degree. My graduation exhibition was held in January 2008, and I was awarded my Master of Fine Arts - First Class Honours.

To view my CV and exhibition history please click here.