55 x 80 cm / 22 x 31 inches
Available for sale: $4000
 

This is a painting about resilience and strength. 
The resilience of the land, the resilience of our bodies. The strength of the rock, the warmth of the sun, the play of light and shadow over the body. There is not one without the other- we are inextricably linked.
The rock formations you see in the painting are some of the very few undulations in the rock, the rest of which is completely flat (giving it its other name Tableland Rock). It is an incredibly powerful and inspiring place. The reference shots were taken very early morning as summer was fading.
The shadows draping the body are made by one of the many Banksia trees that seemingly spring from the rock. These banksias endure such harsh conditions- ferocious winds, scorching heat, including the tremendous blackening from recent bushfires. They survive still.
 
A layering technique was used here. Many layers to build up the oil paint to replicate skin and rock. These are seemingly different textures, but using the same technique, I maintain the human body and the land are one and the same.  The laying on of paint is rapid, to capture my energy through brushwork, but the layering process is lengthy. The whole is a mediative dance.
 
The painting’s backdrop is Lincoln Rock in the Blue Mountains, a place that is one of the first to receive the morning light. Its views stretch out over the Jamison Valley, encompassing Narrow Neck and Mt Solitary.
Lincoln’s rock is named after Lincoln Hall (1955 – 2012) an  intrepid, Blue Mountains-based explorer who, in 2006 collapsed- and presumed dead- spent the night on Mt Everest; he was found the next day, sitting up, crossed legged:  Hall said to the walkers approaching him “I imagine you're surprised to see me here.”
 
 
This is a painting about resilience and strength. 
The resilience of the land, the resilience of our bodies. The strength of the rock, the play of light and shadow over the body. There is not one without the other- we are inextricably linked.
The rock formations you see in the painting are some of the very few undulations in the rock, the rest of which is completely flat (giving it its other name Tableland Rock). It is an incredibly powerful and inspiring place. The reference shots were taken very early morning as summer was fading.
The shadows draping the body are made by the banksia plants seemingly growing out of the rock itself. Inspiring resilience.

22 x 30.5cm / 9 x 12 inches
Avavilable for sale $1500


This painting is a love letter to the landscape of Australia, and in particular, Tasmania. Many plants have been introduced to Tasmania over the years and have become, not only much loved familiar faces across the landscape, but they have become integral participants in the state’s economy. Depicted in this painting are botanical elements such as the poppy, hops, barley, dandelion and apple. The portrait is a tribute to the many human immigrants that have also made Tasmania home.
Available for sale $1500

50 x 80cm / 20 x 31 inches: Available for sale: $4000
This painting was a finalist in the Calleen Art Award 2024
Artist statement
This painting, a self-portrait, reflects my experience as a classroom teacher over the past 20 years.
 
The post-it notes on my skirt and top reveal many of the roles we, as teachers, are asked to fulfil.
 
The red tape around my legs and ankles depicts the compliance measures teachers have to meet each day, to justify each task we undertake.
 
There are two piles of books in the painting: those books on the right hand side of the painting show the subjects / ideas I believe are vital to teach- and would love to teach-  if given time in the crowded curriculum. The pile of books on the left depicts the paperwork and other compliance measures one must wade through. These have very little to do with teaching, but nonetheless, take up 90% of a teacher’s time.
 
The odd socks, represent a day when I was so exhausted that I accidently wore odd shoes to school. Although I didn’t notice, the children certainly did…
 
On the back wall are those inspirational ideas and quotes I hope to inspire in the children in my care. (But you may also notice amongst those pinned notes, slightly hidden, other challenging incidents I have had to deal, with as a teacher …)

60 x 90 cm / 24 x 36 inches
Available for sale $5000
This painting was winner of the People's Choice Award at the Blake Prize 2024

Artist Statement
One’s spiritual / religious lineage is a fundamental link to our past. The vast devotional body of work, ephemeral and extant, that our ancestors investigated, explored and gifted us, exists in the hope that we would, in times of conflict be held secure in belonging & community.
This work, Sacred Botanical, is an exploration of my spiritual lineage.  Depicted throughout this work are the sacred plants of the Bible, along with plants sacred to the Druids and early Celtic Christians.
The botanical plants, in their lacing and intertwining on the canvas, are designed to form the ghosted image of the Chi-Rho (☧)- one of the oldest known Christograms.

The botanical plants depicted, sacred to the Druids and early Celtic Christians, are the Yew, Ivy, Oak & Mistletoe.
The sacred plants depicted from the Bible are the Anemone, Rose, Madonna lily, Grape & Iris.
Each plant had its own sacred meaning and use to the ancestors.

The olive branch has come to be understood as a universal symbol of peace (ancient Greek), and was added, as the painting evolved, as a fervent wish for peace in this time of current conflict.