I grew up in rural Otago, in the south of New Zealand. From my earliest days I drew, and continued to draw prolifically throughout my school years. As a natural progression, I initially studied Fine Art at the Otago School of Art. This was followed by a Bachelor of Art at the University of Otago, majoring in Anthropology, Education and then Japanese.
Tertiary studies were then followed by years of living and teaching in rural Japan, an area which was steeped in traditional culture. Upon returning to NZ I then spent several years teaching the Japanese language in secondary schools in Wellington and Christchurch, until I was drawn back to my initial love of art.
My artistic vision has been shaped by those years in Japan. Using my own travel photographs as my starting point I find myself incorporating elements of a Japanese aesthetic in my paintings.
​
My work can be viewed at:
​
Turua Gallery, St Heliers, Auckland, NZ
Gallery De Novo, Dunedin, NZ
​
​