I was born in 1974 in the middle of the apartheid regime, Johannesburg, South Africa. My parents were Afrikaans speaking but brought me up to be non-racist which was unacceptable in the Afrikaans community. After my Mother realized that I had learning difficulties she encouraged me to paint. As I showed a talent in this area, I went on to study Interior Decorating and Fine Arts, in which I graduated top of the class in 1996. After arriving in New Zealand in 2000, I had my daughter Lauren, who I am raising on my own with the help of my parents. I use my life experience in my work, and each painting contains a piece of my life diary. I enjoy using different types of materials to create, especially modern pens, textile inks and felts. The artists that have inspired me are Ralph Hotere, Christina Popovici, Graham Bennett and older artists like Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo and Jackson Pollock. My motivation comes from Otto Bain who is my mentor and my adopted Grandfather. I love using vibrant colours inspired by the bright sunlight of South Africa. In the past I have worked on cloth and cushion and now I’m using the same techniques on canvas. My work has been exhibited in J. A. Burns Gallery, Allegory and Furniture On Art. In Wellington, my work has been exhibited at Peninsula Art Gallery, Roar Gallery and Vincent Studios. I was also involved in the major Cross Over exhibition held at the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts. I always want to learn more about art and improve my work and thus, the paintings are always evolving.
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