Born: 1967
Hometown: Melbourne
Based in: West Footscray
I was born in New Zealand under the watchful gaze of Mt Taranaki. I arrived in Australia in 1996 to study physical theatre and from there I journeyed through dance, community arts, children’s theatre and landed with my hands in clay.
My ceramics are unique functional pieces created for our everyday rituals. These earthy, organic forms are wheel-thrown in my backyard studio in Melbourne. They are painted with glazes developed in response to land and landscapes and are influenced by my training in theatre, improvisation and dance.
My installation works have developed in response to my experiences as a community artist. Most notably, the themes emerging from the INTO THE LIGHT project (2009 – 2017) created in response to the Victorian 2009 bushfires, are reflected in Nest (2016), Village (2015) Forest (2014), and Resting Places Lost and Found (2010).
I have also directed large-scale community events, installations and parades throughout Australasia and Europe and I am company member of the internationally renowned Polyglot Theatre.
Describe your creative process.
Spontaneous, experimental, accidental intuitive!
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
organic, earthy, functional.
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
Neville French, Lucie Rae
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
My Hands
Where do you go for inspiration?
Water, tress, hills and mountains and when I can't get there I to head to books.