What is your artist background?
I have had no formal training in art, and all I have learnt has mostly been by trial and error. I have always been interested in art and beautiful things, and I remember as a young child thinking that I'd like to be an illustrator.
When did you start doing your art?
Although I enjoyed anything artistic in my youth, it wasn't until I was on maternity leave from my preschool teaching job that I used my daughter's nap time to start doodling flowers. It grew from there and I decided not to return to teaching and instead become a self-employed artist - and I have never looked back!
How do you describe your artwork style?
One common theme throughout my art over the years has (and likely always will be) has been nature. Mother nature is definitely my muse! I like to choose flowers and birds as my main subjects, particularly NZ native flora and fauna, and I delight in painting their fine details. A favorite quote of mine is "The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself" - Henry Miller, and it reflects my art in the way I like to capture my subjects up close. My art is ever-evolving and at present I am loving painting still life flowers in teapots and other interesting nostalgic vessels.
Have you always done your field of art or were there other types of art that you have done?
I started out using fine ink pens to create monochrome flower drawings and eventually I began adding watercolour. After making a mistake with the background of a watercolour painting of a waxeye bird, I decided to paint over the background in black acrylic paint. I then added detailing to the bird and this started my accidental love affair with acrylic paints. I have loved learning colour mixing and how to layer paints to bring my subjects to life!
What is the best/ideal environment for you when creating your artwork?
I have an art room in my home where I work and I usually listen to music or art podcasts. I have an eclectic taste for music, but when I paint I prefer easy listening and singer/songwriter genres, so I can feel relaxed and get in the zone.
Who is your hero? / Who do you admire the most?
There are many NZ artists I look up to and I am inspired particularly by women who forge their own paths in life. I think if I had to choose one person it would be my darling late Nana - as she was such a joyful and positive human.
What values are important to you?
Kindness, appreciation of the natural world, humour, and being true to one's self.
Any advice for aspiring NZ artists?
Paint what you love. It may not be for everyone, in fact it definitely won't be for everyone, and that's okay - you'll find your people eventually. Embrace your own unique art style and 'always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else' - Judy Garland.
What was the inspiration behind your artwork for your PieceHouse puzzle?
As always, nature! 'Garden Party' is a joyful gathering of some of our beautiful native birds, insects you might find in your garden, and the prettiest of blooms. Kirsty is the artist that created the Garden Party puzzle.
What do you do to help keep your mental health in a positive place?
A career switch to being an artist has made such a positive improvement on my mental health. When I'm in the zone, anxious thoughts get pushed aside and it is definitely meditative. Carving out some time in the day to take a walk in the bush is always beneficial too.
