My Art Story
Artythings
My art practice is eclectic - using a variety of media and reflecting on many subjects. My art works evolve through research and making - a drawing becomes a photo, becomes an animation, becomes a video still, becomes a sculpture, then another drawing, and so on... I have also begun to write research articles - such as my sculpture stories published on this web site. The research develops my understanding of the subject and influences my art making in unexpected ways.
Art Research
Making art is a research process for me. I have many research projects underway that begin with observational drawing, or are underpinned by social research. I am currently researching modernist sculptures in Adelaide, which has inspired my own art work. My urban sketching practice is also a form of research - where I learn about the urban environment through close observation. For example, I am currently sketching around Mile End and learning about the places that were important to Barbara Hanrahan as an artist who grew up there.
Drawing
I have always drawn - using every kind of pencil or marker. My drawing practice has expanded into stop motion video and animation. Drawing is a vast field - defined simply as one surface touching another.
Urban sketching
I enjoy sketching outdoors as a way of experiencing the world with a deeper reflection and appreciation for the environment. I want to slow down and be present as an artist reflecting on our busy urban environment. It's lovely to chat with passers by while sketching, and to meet with other sketchers. Each sketch holds memories of the place and people I met. I joined Adelaide Urban Sketchers in 2021 and I have found this to be a great way to practice my drawing skills. I went to the Asia Link Sketchwalk in Penang in August 2024, and met many hundreds of amazing artists there. I am interested in drawing public sculptures, which started with my Honours project in 2025 and has a strong research base - exploring the stories of how these sculptures came to Adelaide. My urban sketchbooks are a treasured foundation for development of other works.
Prizes and shows
I have entered a few prizes and group shows, and earned some accolades: * Peoples' Choice Award, Royal Society of Arts members exhibition, January 2023. This was for the picture shown here of my dogs eye. * Highly Commended award from Blackwood Rotary Art show, 2024. This was for a charcoal drawing of a male figure in the landscape. * Winner, Bald Archies Portrait Prize 2009. This was for my portrait of Charles, which is now hanging in the Grace Emily Hotel. * Finalist West Torrens Art Prize, 2022. My painting sold at the opening.
Painting
My paintings are usually figurative and have a story. I think a lot about composition and colour, and I usually plan this out quite carefully. I use acrylic paint for quicker results, or where I need texture, or for underpainting layers. Oils are more refined and allow me to be more accurate with colours and details in the final layers. Painting is really a solitary activity - best done carefully alone in the studio. That said, I have had some success painting "all prima" quickly. My painting of the Black Cockatoo was carefully planned and drawn up, but the painting was completed in just 2 hours as artist in residence at Blackwood Rotary. My fellow artists at the Splashout studio call me speedy because I can paint quickly once I know the basic layout.
