WORK STATEMENT:

For me, in art, as in life, the “journey” is more important than the “destination”.

During my nomadic life, I have had the good fortune to be exposed to many wonderful artists, media and techniques in many corners of the world. The ways in which different social groups employ artistic expression and how that expression impacts on, and is reflected by, that society are areas of great interest to me.

As avid sailors and travellers, my husband and I have explored many beautiful and remote places. We take every available opportunity to experience the art and lifestyles of other cultures. Our diverse experiences include discovery of ancient “Bradshaw” rock art in unmapped caves in Australia’s remote Kimberley area, discussions in Pigeon English with the potters of Samurai Island over the attributes of a good cooking pot and visits to the open air galleries of Panama’s San Blas Island community. In contrast we have visited many of the great art museums of Europe, America and Australia. We also love to visit smaller local galleries wherever we travel.

The wonders of our natural world both above and below the sea are an ongoing inspiration for my work. I am concerned for the environmental welfare of our world and have been actively involved in several conservation issues.

The diversity of my personal journey is reflected in the varied forms of expression I employ. Certain experiences have left me with lasting impressions which keep reappearing in my work. My reaction to the intensity and colour of our land and seascapes, and the importance of our outdoors culture has been heightened on returning to Australia after years abroad.

For me, the value of art lies in its ability to visually stimulate both emotional and cerebral human responses and by so doing, enrich a community or an individual. This enrichment can take many forms. It may be entertaining or educational or inspire self-reflection. A wide range of viewers may be effected by different triggers and thus take a variety of responses from the same piece of work.

I like to consider the current issues in our society and often use these as inspiration for whimsical or symbolic figurative sculptures. I am currently working on a series of works which relate to our attitudes towards the land and sea creatures at a popular island resort.

I don’t like to limit myself to any one style or method of working. I sometimes enjoy the rhythm of throwing vessels or pieces to be assembled into composite forms. At other times, I like to handbuild figurative or abstract sculptures. I quite often have both types of work progressing in tandem and switch from one to the other.

I seek to communicate an idea which may amuse or inform, hopefully, with a form that is pleasing. I am addicted to the ongoing challenge of clay explorations and experiments as a means of self expression. I am thankful that it is such a fulfilling and integral part of my personal “journey”.