Why I paint. 

I paint my insights into the strange and beautiful details from nature that might otherwise be overlooked or go unseen in a busy distracted world. Enlarging what is tiny; layering, simplifying or exaggerating patterns, colours, details and textures. Observing nature, exploring, noticing and being caught up in the moment - this gives me a sense of wonder, joy and appreciation for the world. I try to capture and convey these fleeting moments and these small details, to share the way I am seeing and feeling.

My paintings began as something personal and practical - a visual reminder of these inspiring, uplifting feelings during a difficult time in my life. I created paintings of the butterfly wing under the microscope, as a symbolic reminder to myself that the world is a magical place. This evolved into an in-depth investigation of the moth species found in my local region, as a continuation of this symbolism, appreciation of tiny-weird-animals and the exploration of pattern and colour perception. 

I am excited by visual arts projects that bring awareness to environmental and conservation issues. Encouraging community engagement and helping people see what might be hidden, unnoticed or misunderstood, inviting a sense of wonder. Before I was painting, I studied and worked as an environmental scientist. Now I am learning and exploring how to best use art and science together. 

Some of my paintings might appear abstract, but it is simply a matter of distance from the subject and therefore what is shown in the painting. Or standing right next to a large painting, you might notice patterns and details as more abstracted. Then as you move back the subject appears more realistic.

I live and work in Albany, Western Australia. A regional town on the southernmost tip of Western Australia, south of Perth and the next stop up from Antarctica! It is a beautiful, windswept place with rugged, dramatic coastlines, ocean-sunsets and incredible biodiversity. My small rescue-parrot Opal and my dog Django keep me company while I paint (my loyal rotweiller Jazz is in dog-heaven).