Born in England 1955.

Teacher training 1973-6:  main subject Art – specialised in figure drawing and self-portraits.

Bachelor of Education 1977:  Education, Practical Art and Art History.

Emigrated to New Zealand in 1982 with husband Steve and had daughters Jess and Rosie in 1988 and 1995.

Studied more art teaching including at Christchurch College of Education 1984 and taught art to all ages from pre-schoolers to adults including 6 years as sole art teacher at Kaikoura High School 1985-90.

In 1987 while in Kaikoura, started painting again for its own sake, not just to teach. Ever since, painting has been of vital importance to me and very much a part of my life.

Then studied much more, both formally and informally, including 2 years full time at Nelson Polytechnic School of Visual Arts 1991-1992.

I have exhibited in solo and group shows in Christchurch, Kaikoura, Blenheim, Nelson, Akaroa, Selwyn District, Oxford & Palmerston North and had 3 works in NZ Portrait Gallery exhibitions in Wellington.

I now teach art privately to adults in Avonhead, Christchurch and elsewhere on request. Since 2006 I have been a member of The Critique Group Otautahi Christchurch that, pre-earthquakes, belonged to the Centre of Contemporary Art and has continued independently. I am also a member of Arts Canterbury. Most of my work is for sale & I’m happy to take commissions including portraits and paintings of things that are special to you.

My older work was usually in oils or acrylics on canvas and often the canvas was sewn and manipulated before painting so the results were flat, in relief or sculptural. My large, oil painted wood sculpture HEART IS WHERE THE HOME IS is a development from these and also a large departure which would love a (spacious, indoor) home of its own where it can help people feel good! In recent years, I have tried to work with materials of much lower environmental cost: found, 2nd hand, left over, eg driftwood, picture frames, fabric. I have continued to use artist quality acrylic paint but watered down. My subjects are usually personal but pretty much universal and I’m very interested in creating an environment for you to enjoy.