Artist Statement / Bio
I began with a degree in Sculpture from Edinburgh Art College (1989-1993). While there I was hugely influenced by Suzi Gablick's book “The Re-enchantment of Art” which spoke of the need for art to once again fulfil a social role, to be of service to the world. I went on to complete a Masters in Ecology and Sociology from University of West of England (1993-1995) with the intention to combine art and environment in some useful way. I became an environmental educator (1994-2008) using art as a learning process wherever I could.
In that time I moved from my native Scotland to England, France, Spain, then Peru and Bolivia, and finally to New Zealand in 1999 where I met and married Sean (who had also read The Re-enchantment of Art). He introduced me to Zen and we've been practicing together ever since. In 2004 we had our first son Leo, and then in 2007 another son, Ruben. I gave up work and became 'just a mum', the world's greatest oxymoron.
As I gradually emerged from the intensity of babies and toddlers, environmental education no longer cut the mustard. I recognised the resurfacing of an old urge: To explore life in the most enriching way I knew - through art.
I began creating installations with an environmental theme.
I also studied transformative art techniques as well as Interactive Drawing Therapy (IDT). And finally I discovered encaustics; a medium which allowed me to do a bit of all of the above.
Put simply, I see art as a way of synthesizing one's own experience, a way to engage deeply in life.
Work Specific Statements (click on titles to open)
Farewell Spit Residency - "Nothing Solid Here"
Give it Up!
Small Steps Monumental Task
Take Heart
In that time I moved from my native Scotland to England, France, Spain, then Peru and Bolivia, and finally to New Zealand in 1999 where I met and married Sean (who had also read The Re-enchantment of Art). He introduced me to Zen and we've been practicing together ever since. In 2004 we had our first son Leo, and then in 2007 another son, Ruben. I gave up work and became 'just a mum', the world's greatest oxymoron.
As I gradually emerged from the intensity of babies and toddlers, environmental education no longer cut the mustard. I recognised the resurfacing of an old urge: To explore life in the most enriching way I knew - through art.
I began creating installations with an environmental theme.
I also studied transformative art techniques as well as Interactive Drawing Therapy (IDT). And finally I discovered encaustics; a medium which allowed me to do a bit of all of the above.
Put simply, I see art as a way of synthesizing one's own experience, a way to engage deeply in life.
Work Specific Statements (click on titles to open)
Farewell Spit Residency - "Nothing Solid Here"
Give it Up!
Small Steps Monumental Task
Take Heart