About the Art

Perhaps this option on my site is unnecessary, but I'm not the kind of artist who sees themself as a magician performing tricks, too scared to give their secrets away.

From day one of my memory of experiencing art, I realised the interpretation of art was not solely dependant on the artists intention.

With this in mind I give you a very general sense of my work as a way to access the pieces, especially if your mind is dictated by logic or you favour representational art.

Most artists would agree with me (if they are honest and not scared of criticism) that if you give them free reign to talk about themselves and their work, they could go on forever.

I am the same.

In an attempt to stop my own rambling, I have decided not to focus my attention on any specific works, but simply to welcome you to my world.

Experience what it is like to be me and what it is like to see through my eyes.

In effect this should help you understand where my ideas come from and how they develop in to the artworks they do.

Before you read any further however I would suggest you view my artworks if you haven't already done so, as I would hate my bias to ruin the possibilities of your own vision; especially if you are a fellow artist looking for some inspiration.

My art has always been a response to the environment in which I am living. Unfortunately for my family and friends, I'm not one to comment on the good times, just the bad. After all who needs help with the good?

Often my work responds to things that piss me off, that which I cannot comprehend, or those feelings that I simply need to express as a result of a new found material that reminds me of something. Primarily however my art serves as a psychologist; whom I air my grievances to and find answers within. The expression of self within my art also contributes to my self esteem, ego, faith in me, and the future.

I could probably be labelled a post-modernist feminist artist however I believe the definition of 'post-modernist art' leaves little room for the development of new ideas, concepts and movements. Feminist, well if that's what you call an artist who's pissed off at the blatant inequality of issues of gender in contemporary society (especially television) - then so be it. What may be different about my work under this label is that it has always served me and my needs. It is not intended solely for the purpose of relaying messages to others or inciting anarchy.

Much of my work responds to feeling of inadequacy regarding gender, which is seated in my own experience of the world. Elements of my artwork serve as metaphorical studies (at different depths) in to what it is to be a woman, in contemporary society.

My work is based on personal experiences and/or detailed observations of others, and attempts to use the socialisation and juxta positioning of gender in modern and ancient times to expose these inequalities.

Deliberate selection of intentional and representational materials, subject matter, and language; exist as tokens of gender, however often subliminal issues of gender are visible in the works without me even realising how they got there.

There is often an extensive use of symbolism in my work where I attempt to cross reference my ideas using generic icons with alternate meanings to broaden the possible interpretations of the work. Therefore indicators related to gender are found and used intentionally or are given their sexuality by being placed alongside objects specific to a particular gender.

Often I use humour in my work or their titles, to reassure myself I can cope with this world.

Comic relief is often an invaluable coping mechanism.

I have found my audience also uses this humour to disengage from those pieces that strike at their vulnerabilities.

I also aim to decipher different interpretations of gender throughout history by referencing or appropriating other artists work, however my work is always filtered through my understanding of this time and based on contemporary experience.

My work is not always negative in its voice, as sometimes I use environmental pieces as meditation tools to relax and recharge my battery. These works are often very peaceful and created purely out of an appreciation of a particular environments and/or material.

I have also been known to create pieces solely for my own amusement.

My initial interest in gender issues, started with an interest in the psychology of behaviour. I love to watch people interact, and continue to nurture my own intuition regarding human behaviour. Intuition essentially forms the foundation upon which all my works are built which ensures that my messages are clear and accessible to others.

I believe this desire to interpret human behaviour began soon after my parents divorce, during which I desperately tried to understand my parent's behaviour and regain some sense of security. A prominent motivational tool in the creation of my work is this constant search for lost identity initiated in the breakdown of my family.

At twelve years old, it also came as a result of my emergence into adulthood and its demand on the creation of the independent self.

Although seemingly enigmatic and/or threatening at times I encourage you to listen to your own intuition and not mine when you view my work.

It is not necessary that you understand who I am or have empathy for my plight, but it is essential that you know who you are. Use my art to find your own feet in this place as one can only find an understanding of this world through the experience of other.

With that said I welcome you to my world.