From both a collective and personal perspective, my work has consistently explored concepts related to value and values. Many of my artworks reflect on the work of women, their art and craft, and their domestic lives.
For a number of years my works were deeply informed by the concept of ambiguous loss. This term is used in psychology to describe the often-unacknowledged grief that can be experienced with life-changing events such as job loss, migration or relationship breakdown. The experience can cause feelings of diminished security and control, and a sense that the world is no longer a benevolent place. Works made in response to this explored themes of connection – both with others and with self - the idea of mastery, and presentations of the world as being a good and safe place in which to be. Recent works seek to make visible everyday older women and their lives, and to explore the potentials of poetic writing and art.
My mediums span a wide range of modest, often pre-loved materials that include domestic packaging, 80s craft kits, flannelette pyjamas, books of poetry, household products, children’s art supplies, and basic pencil and ink.
My methodologies encompass collage, drawing, painting, sculpture, needlework and installation. I draw inspiration from handmade and naïve art, retail and workplace signage and stationery, advertising, poetry, literature, and daily life.
I’m a Naarm|Melbourne-based artist. I was awarded the National Gallery of Victoria Prize and the Award for Contemporary Drawing by Monash University. I’ve been artist-in-residence at Heritage Hill, a finalist in Still: National Still Life Award and a postcard winner in the Linden Postcard Show. I hold a practice-based PhD in Fine Art.