About
I am a Western Australian artist whose practice celebrates the extraordinary beauty of Australia's native flora and fauna through contemporary botanical still life painting. Working primarily in acrylic on canvas, I create carefully composed arrangements that combine locally gathered botanical specimens with treasured ceramic vessels, allowing familiar subjects to be viewed with a renewed sense of wonder.
Although self-taught, my practice has been shaped by years of independent research, experimentation and professional experience. I draw inspiration from the dramatic lighting and refined compositions of the Dutch Golden Age and Baroque masters, adapting these historical influences to explore the colours, textures and unique character of the Australian landscape. Rich chiaroscuro, dark atmospheric backgrounds and carefully controlled light are central to my work, revealing the intricate beauty of native flowers, foliage and birds while creating a sense of quiet intimacy.
Every painting begins with observation. I spend time walking through local bushland, parks and suburban streets, photographing the native plants and birds that inhabit these everyday spaces. Many of the species I paint flourish not only in remnant bushland but also in our urban and suburban environments, where they provide vital habitat and food sources for Western Australia's unique wildlife. Back in the studio, I carefully arrange these collected elements into still life compositions, considering balance, symbolism, colour relationships and light before beginning the painting process. Through multiple layers of acrylic, each work gradually develops a sense of depth, luminosity and realism.
At the heart of my practice is a desire to foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world that surrounds us. As Western Australia's urban landscapes continue to expand, I believe it is increasingly important to recognise the value of preserving native flora and protecting the habitats that sustain our birds, insects and wildlife. The flowering gums, banksias, eucalyptus, blue wrens and black cockatoos that feature in my paintings are not simply beautiful subjects, they are an integral part of our ecological identity and deserve to be celebrated and protected for future generations.
My paintings are both a celebration of place and an invitation to pause. In a world that often moves too quickly, I hope my work encourages viewers to slow down, notice the remarkable beauty that exists within their own neighbourhoods, and develop a stronger connection with the native environment. By elevating familiar Australian species through the timeless language of still life, I aim to inspire not only admiration, but also a greater sense of responsibility for the landscapes and wildlife that make Western Australia unique.
Through my practice I continue to explore the relationship between historical painting traditions and contemporary Australian subject matter, creating works that honour both the artistic legacy of the past and the extraordinary natural heritage of the place I call home.
