I feel that art should express something of the soul and therefore do not create to a formula or to please a market trend. A lot of my art can be very dark, moody turbulent and full of emotion. It is nearly always about inner expression, catharsis and release; a reflection of my feelings at the time. Surrealistic themes also influence a lot of my work, as I often create directly from my own dreams or subconscious images that arise to the surface.

My style is constantly evolving and changes like the weather does here in Jan Juc. It can range from fairly abstract impressionism to very realistic, depending on what it is I am trying to portray. I love working with colour, which is why I am attracted to painting and drawing, however, I also love expressing mood through the light and dark contrasts which can be achieved with photography and printmaking. Sculpture and mosaics, using recycled materials are also an enjoyable venture for me.

I love the beach. I am there nearly every day of the year surfing, swimming, or walking along the sandy shores for miles with my dogs at low tide. A ‘salty, sandy, girl’, you might say. I love trying to capture the ever changing moods of the sea in my artwork. I have lived near the beach all my life and just love how the colours and waves can change so quickly. I love walking when there is hardly a soul around, watching the waves, taking phots and exploring the many patterns and small creatures upon the sand. Skies and clouds are also a great inspiration for my work.

The Australian desert and the outback are another favourite subject. I love the red sand and the emptiness which goes on for miles. The vastness is fabulous and feel a connection to this type of country because it gives me freedom and solitude – similar, yet different, to that of a cold, empty, windswept beach. I am greatly inspired by the famous Australian landscape painters such as Sidney Nolan, Fred Williams, Pro Hart and Albert Tucker. I am also inspired by earlier works such as Arthur Streeton and Hans Heyson.

Dogs, snakes and lizards also feature largely in my works. My other area of interest is in pet portraiture – any medium from mosaics or clay to paintings, prints and drawings – whatever best portrays the personality of that particular animal and my mood at the time.