My interest in art goes back to my childhood, spent dabbling in various mediums such as clay, watercolour painting and charcoal drawing.

Born and raised in Helensville, I moved to Christchurch in 1998, where I discovered Oamaru stone. Working with this wonderful material, carving and shaping it, has released a spiritual essence which has set me on an amazing creative journey.

At Christchurch I attended drawing classes at Canterbury University and completed a paper in art theory. I was immediately drawn to the tactile and spiritual qualities of the Oamaru stone, and soon found myself part of a four-person co-operative named 'The Mad Sculptors Studio'. I took part in various exhibitions in and around Christchurch, and my work was favourably accepted.

In 2002 I moved back to Helensville, and found an ideal working space to do my stone carving in the town's historic old water tank - hence the name for the studio! In 2006 I moved into a purpose-built studio at my home, and now I work from Warkworth.

Working full-time with Oamaru stone, I became disatisfied with its limited possibilities. I now use the byproduct of the stone and add it to cement, casting New Zealand inspired forms.

I am privileged to belong to Art Kaipara, organising events and exhibiting alongside the extremely talented and creative people who are at the forefront of Helensville's current art renaissance.

Commissioned pieces are always welcome. I enjoy talking and working with clients to achieve a sculpture that best portrays their own ideas.

Exhibitions:

• Sculpture in the Garden, Governors Bay, Christchurch
• Selwyn Gallery, North Canterbury
• Sumner Arts Society annual exhibition
• Ellerslie Flower Show
• Becroft Garden Exhibition of NZ Sculpture
• Artspace, Helensville
• Art by the Sea, Devonport, Auckland
• Number 8 Outdoor Garden
• Waitakere Art Awards
• Puhoi Garden Art - Art of Cheese
• Arts of the Kaipara Gallery - Helensville
• The Elms Garden Art Exhibition - Tauranga

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