Welcome to my artworks and my website.

I hope you enjoy learning a little more about me and what has motivated me to create.

Born in Sydney, NSW Australia, my parents migrated here from Holland/ Indonesia in 1960 and started our tightly knit family.

I studied Education at Kuring-Gai CAE, majoring in Fine Arts.

On completion I took up a teaching post in Ngemba community of Bourke. It was this experience that underpinned my love for the raw outback landscape, its deserts and rich earthy colours. As a primary school teacher, I began to develop a deep respect for the local people, their community and cultures. I also started to understand the impact that European settlement has on Australias First Nations peoples. At 21, it was the start to raising my awareness around injustice, prejudice and privilege. I have been drawn to seek out further truths, connections and life experiences that help me to become more aware of Australia's real history. It has opened my eyes and my heart to the incredible resilience of First Nations peoples.

I moved up to the Northern Rivers of NSW in 1994 to raise my own family.

Settled here now, once again my teaching has afforded me the opportunity to work closely with the community in the local Widjabul-Wiabal Country, Bundjalung Nation Community (Lismore and Goonellabah). 

I am starting my journey of coming to know this country, learning from the Elders, Knowledge Keepers, families and young jarjums (children).

It has been through my teaching work and connection to this country, that for the first time I feel I have stories I want to tell through my artwork.

So, here I am full circle. Teaching has taken me to places and offered me experiences that have impacted strongly on my creative process.

I am excited to share what I am coming to know of this country, its landscape, its communities and my response to it.

 

Artistic Experience

I majored in Fine Arts as part of my Dip Ed. I have participated in many courses, workshops and classes over the last 25 years. These have encompassed a variety of mediums including watercolour, oils, acrylics, pastels, ceramics and printmaking.

I have explored a wide variety of different genres including Life Drawing, Portraits, Landscapes, Still Life, Abstract Art.

I am largely self taught.

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Although my artwork is inspired by my close experience and connection with First Nations  communities, I am not a First Nations person. I respectfully do not intend in any way to imitate or appropriate the unique cultures of First Nations peoples or their enduring  connection to country.