​ARTIST STATEMENT
​I am a mixed media artist living in Hawera and am currently a full-time creative assistant at the South Taranaki Creative Space.
A few years ago I discovered assemblage and collage via the inspirational work of artist Dale Copeland and Australian artist Brett Whiteley. I had found my creative ‘happy place’.

The process of bringing my assemblages and collages together is an intellectual/creative shuffle of found objects (mostly found at local op shops), a process that can take a few weeks to months.

The objects I use have to have a certain essence to them, a life, character for them to be used; it is very much like a chef selecting what to use in a dish; only the best ingredients will do. It’s what makes the work.

Another important part of my process is music. It’s the dance partner to the creative act; it’s also a theme that has been coming through my work in recent works, in the titles and objects used.
I’ve been influenced by the concept of the Ballad which is defined as a poem or song narrating a short story. These works are visual poems/songs, silent ballads.

If I had to give a title to this  body of work I would call it ‘Pop Philosophy ' from the Oran Mor’ (The Great Melody of Life).