| What factors in your life do you believe played a significant part in you becoming an artist ?
For me it grew from drawing to painting to crafting and then power tools. This coupled with an innate desire to hang out in sheds listen to national radio and create anything from nothing. Making the decision to study art came whilst cycling through Cambodia and visiting the Siem Riep woodcarving school. Once studying I knew that art was what fed me and there was no going back. What processes (physical and mental) do you tend to follow when creating a new piece of art ?
Sitting with the ocean, sitting with wood, researching a voyage taken – looking to seafaring cultures. Often music or prose will start a string of thoughts. I will work on a few sculptures at a time, constantly playing throughout, interchanging until the juxtaposition of each component creates harmony or tension – just creating that moment when you relate to the form. Quite often it's when I feel an emotive quality from the work – like it has a personality. On occasion I carve up an old piece of work to use the wood, however due to the personality which I place on my sculptures it sometimes feels like I'm saying goodbye to a good friend! When using a chainsaw I always apologize profusely and feel a little traumatized by the event! Where do you seek inspiration for your art; what inspires you ?
Generally the ocean. I like the common humility that people who live with the ocean have. I look to those who take sea faring journeys, traditional and cultural boat building, navigation and ocean mythology. Sometimes it's the simplest of stories that develops work. Latin artists' personification of non personified things such as the moon or animals and the warm soulful folk quality of their work combined with the childlike wonder that it inspires. What is your favourite colour and why ?
My love affair with colour is forever changing; however I do love patinas and the layers and hues that come through in Verdigris blues and greens. Also black patinas and the reflective black oil depth that can be achieved. It's the aged quality, the history that I like, it tells a story. What is your favourite creative tool ?
My arbortech blade! (Grinder attachment that makes fast work of shaping wood). It's funny how something so noisy can create such quietness in the mind. It is that moment where thoughts subside and spatial intuition kicks in, cutting away and finding the form that you know is there. Why is art an important part of our everyday lives ?
Art is a free space; it's an arena where expression has freedom. Through the artist and the viewer, religion, politics, history, culture, sex and race can all have a free voice, creating more insight into domains that one may not normally venture. What can you tell our readers about the art scene in your area - any recommendations ?
Muriwai is thriving with artists – all tucked away in their studios for most the year! The artists come together for a fantastic exhibition which showcases a high calibre of established and emerging artists during one weekend. The Muriwai Art Trail Exhibition dates are the 20th and 21st of November, visit www.muriwaiarts.co.nz for more information. What creative ideas and plans are in the pipeline for the next 12 months ?
Over the next year I will be focusing on commissions, public sculpture shows and the occasional group exhibition. (I am able to fit these in around caring for my 8 month old son). Currently I am working on a private commission for Boston, America. I am also interested in developing my Australian market. Creatively I'm always evolving, I think my work will become more painterly and perhaps contain a bit more edge as opposed to the still quality it currently possesses. Making toys for my son is also very inspiring. If you were not an artist, what would you be ?
Naturopathy has always interested me, so perhaps something in that field. Also writing and illustrating children's books appeals, or perhaps even something to do with fibre arts. It would have to be something as deeply fulfilling as art is. What makes you laugh out loud ?
I laugh at myself a lot! Wine with the girls always guarantees a bout of giggles. My son's fantastic unabashed laughter! My partner also brings tears of laughter when he plays the sillyman! If you could make one rule for the world, what would it be ?
Compulsory empathy gene given at birth. My idea of a perfect Sunday is... ?
Definitely a summer's day, great waves, all day at the beach with family and friends, surfing, sleeping, playing, followed by impromptu bbq, good wine and that sun, salt, surf sleepiness – when you shut your eyes at night all you can see is wave after wave. | 
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