‍CB: What sparked your passion for painting, and could you share the story of how you transitioned into becoming an abstract artist?

Growing up, my mother, who is an accomplished painter, surrounded me with art materials, fostering a creative environment that encouraged me to explore my artistic inclinations. I vividly remember a newspaper clipping capturing a moment of my early connection with art—a snapshot of my mother and me painting together on the beach when I was just two years old. This early exposure laid the foundation for my lifelong love of painting.

At the age of 16, I faced health challenges that led me to leave secondary school and prioritize my well-being. During this pivotal time, my mother, who was teaching oil painting, introduced me to her classes. Each session began with a meditation designed to liberate the mind from preconceived notions about the final outcome of our paintings. Engaging in these classes became a transformative experience for me, providing a positive outlet to navigate the obstacles I was confronting. Since then, painting has played a central role in my life, offering a calming and introspective practice.

Although I struggle with traditional meditation, my connection to painting serves as a form of mindfulness and reflection that remains deeply meaningful to me.

My inclination towards abstract art stems from its inherent freedom. While maintaining a formal approach to painting, abstraction doesn't prescribe a specific interpretation for the creator or the viewer. This open-ended nature allows for unbridled imagination. What fascinates me most is the diverse perspectives people share about my abstract artworks—interpretations that often surprise me and add an extra layer of enjoyment to the creative process.

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CB: We would love to learn about your painting process and how you work with oil paints. Do you face challenges when using several layers of different colors?

As an intuitive painter, my creative process unfolds organically through the meticulous layering of marks and veils of paint until the artwork reaches a harmonious conclusion. The journey begins with laying down a foundational color, often embracing the vibrancy of pink, either in oil or acrylic. This initial step sets the tone for the expressive dance of creation.

With the groundwork laid, I embark on a dynamic exploration, adding a plethora of random marks in oils, only to revisit the canvas and paint over select areas or the entirety. As each layer unfolds, most initial marks become veiled, yet subtle hints persist, contributing to the rich depth that defines my work.

The interplay of layered paint and diverse marks is fundamental to the overarching aesthetic of my paintings, a method that typically yields successful outcomes. However, there are moments when the paint accumulates excessively, resulting in a thickness that feels burdensome. In such instances, my aspiration for paintings that feel light and airy prompts a critical decision. When faced with this challenge, I consider the work unredeemable and opt to remove the canvas from the stretcher, initiating a fresh start on the artistic canvas.

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‍CB: In the realm of composition, do you meticulously sketch out your pieces before the first stroke of paint graces the canvas, or do you surrender to the whims of your wandering mind?

Since my approach to painting is deeply intuitive, the canvas, a blank slate, serves as a launchpad for my creative exploration. There's never a preconceived notion of the final masterpiece; instead, I initiate the process by randomly laying down colors and marks. Each subsequent stroke is a response to the evolving tapestry of hues and patterns.

Upon completing a painting, a sense of marvel often washes over me. The journey from a pristine canvas to a fully realized artwork feels akin to summoning an entity of its own accord. I find myself reflecting, 'How did I navigate this transformation without a predetermined destination?' There's a magic, an inexplicable force, at play during the act of painting—an enchantment where control relinquishes its grip. The allure lies in the uncertainty of a painting's trajectory, only to be met with the realization that it has organically found its resolution, a phenomenon that perpetually captivates and fuels my artistic passion.

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CB: In our imaginations, we picture your studio as a lively and colorful haven. Could you share insights into the number of paintings you typically have in progress?

Consistently, I find myself immersed in the creation of at least five or six paintings simultaneously, and often, the number exceeds this threshold. Stepping into my studio each day is an invigorating experience, greeted by walls adorned with a kaleidoscope of colors. The anticipation of the artistic journey that awaits during each painting session infuses the space with a palpable sense of excitement.

‍CB: As an artist, do you face any challenges with the world of social media and self-promotion? How do you overcome these challenges?

Instagram has become my digital sanctuary, offering a global window into the diverse world of artists, galleries, designers, and fellow plant enthusiasts. This platform has granted me the opportunity to extend the reach of my artwork beyond traditional gallery confines, allowing me to connect with buyers worldwide.

While the excitement to share new work is palpable, hurdles emerge. The foremost challenge revolves around capturing compelling photos and styling. Limited studio space precludes elaborate photoshoots, often relying on my agents to organize shoots for their artists' works. Recognizing the importance of showcasing artwork in lived-in spaces, I leverage art placer apps when featuring pieces on my website.

Another intricate facet involves sharing images of unfinished artwork. Studio shots in my stories may unveil paintings in progress, sparking inquiries from admirers. Negotiating this terrain can be tricky, as the artwork may not be deemed finished, and the visual appeal in photos might surpass the reality of the piece. To address this, I gladly offer interested parties the first option to acquire the painting once completed, fostering a valued connection where the artwork finds a cherished place in their homes.

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CB: In search of inspiration or a rejuvenating reset, do you have a preferred place to visit?

Growing up amidst the tranquility of a country area and the allure of the beach, my connection to nature and green spaces is deeply ingrained. While I currently reside and work in the inner northern suburbs of Melbourne, distancing me from the ocean's embrace, my abode and studio find solace in proximity to verdant expanses and waterways—namely, the Darebin Creek and the Merri Creek.

My daily ritual involves a morning stroll along the Darebin Creek, an oasis reminiscent of bushland, providing a respite from the urban hustle. The abundance of birdlife, featuring the vibrant calls of kookaburras, lorikeets, and waterbirds, orchestrates a harmonious symphony that never fails to uplift my spirits. This ritual serves as a sublime commencement to the day, setting the tone for a focused and inspired mindset upon entering the studio.

The Merri Creek, a mere two-minute walk from my studio, emerges as another haven for resetting when the studio's confines pose a creative challenge. Taking a brief hiatus from my canvases, I immerse myself in the tranquil embrace of the Merri Creek, returning to my artistic endeavors with a rejuvenated perspective and fresh eyes.