Background

Growing up in a family of artists I was constantly exposed to varying styles of creativity. My mother’s main body of work was copies of the old Japanese Masters – watercolours on silk. As a youngster my brother fashioned surfboards and did the artwork for them. He went on to game ranging and this brought about his main body of work which is wildlife, with the majority being done in pastels and charcoal.

Studying art throughout my school career and being fortunate enough to attended private art classes from primary school through high school, I have been exposed to many different styles and forms of art and sculpture. During high school I became fascinated with the art of flower arranging and started my working career as a florist.

Subsequently I worked in the advertising industry for more than 20 years and was involved in interior design for 15 years. I had my own advertising agency for many years and employed a host of very creative artists. For the last 10 years I have designed and managed many private renovation projects in some of Cape Towns more exclusive neighbourhoods. My clients in general give me carte balance in renovating their homes.

Three weeks after the death of my daughter in late 2001 I started my first sculpture “Velvet Beauty”, I sculpted her in clay, which was a medium I had not worked in before, and very soon realised that I would not be able to ‘fire’ her and so began my journey with resin. Shortly thereafter I began body-casting and more recently I have started the combination of body-cast with sculpture, to date all this work has been on a commission basis.

About four years ago I began drawing and painting again initially working in pencils and pastels and subsequently in oils. Occasionally I’ve been asked which area “art or sculpting” I prefer, though I know it might be more beneficial to spend my time focusing on one or the other; this is not possible as I love both equally. When I am painting I feel it would be fine if I had to only paint, but when sculpting I am so happy that I know I could not stop until I am physically not able to do it any longer.

When asked how I decide what to paint or sculpt, I have to say, this changes from painting to painting and similarly for sculpting. My favourite subject in both mediums is the human form and mostly women. In sculpture, the soft curves and the gentle beauty are beautiful to work with, creating a sculpture that the “woman herself” will love and be happy to display in her home. In painting, capturing the story behind the eyes, the essence of the person, this challenge always appeals to me.

My passion for art has always been there, however it is only in the past four years that I have been in the position and had the time to pursue this vigorously. I am fortunate enough to have my sculptures and paintings displayed in private collections in many interesting locations  – from Saint Tropez to Cape Town. There is no turning back now and my only regret is that I wasn’t in a position to do this for the past 20 years, so with a smile I say “I have a lot of catching up to do”.