A little bit about me
Did you always aim at becoming an illustrator?
As a child our family was very crafty, My mother was a professional seamstress, My father was a scientist and also very creative, he loved to paint and make furniture and my sister and I loved to draw, knit and sew our own creations (mainly because at that time, New Zealand was very behind in fashion!)
Could you tell us about your education and where you studied art?
My school years where spent in New Zealand. Art was definitely my best subject! Then, in my late teens my father was offered a job at the United nations so we moved to Vienna in Austria for 3 years. I liked the atmosphere of the Graphic Design School over the rather traditional Fine Art Academy.
This simple decision took me down the path of design rather than fine art. After 3 fabulous years in Europe we returned to New Zealand. I then completed 3 years Design School in Wellington
and was awarded a Diploma with Distinction in Graphic Design.
How would you describe your style?
I grew up surrounded by German traditions (my father carved folk flowers and birds into our kitchen cupboards), because of this, my work often looks quite Scandinavian and folksy.
I am absolutely passionate about Mid Century design especially children's book illustrations, I particularly love the bright and unusual colour combinations.
I also like very simple beautiful shapes and for me straight lines and circles are the most simple so you will notice my art is almost only made up of these 2 things!
Could you tell us a little about your recent projects and commissions?
Undoubtedly the biggest project has been opening my very own bricks and mortar store here in my local town Petone. It's been a huge job but so worth it as it's been so well received and I love being able to decorate, and create new products to sell!
I have also just completed my 13th paper craft book!
Name some of your clients.
I have enjoyed creating art for such companies as Hallmark, Papyrus, Mudpuppy, Galison, Oopsy Daisy, Tigerprint, Djeco, Templar Publishing and King&McGaw.
Do you have a workshop, do you work full time as an illustrator?
i live in a beautiful little village across from our capital city called Wellington in New Zealand.
I live very near to the hills and forest and the ocean.
My home which I share with my husband and two teenage boys is an original mid century house filled with vintage treasures that I love to collect.
I have a lovely sunny studio which I work in every day as soon as the children have left for school.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I love to visit sites such as Pinterest to enjoy images of mid century illustrations and design.
The images are so joyful, as soon as I have looked I just want to start a new piece of art!
Do you have a life motto?
Something that you find inspirational and drives you?
I have learnt to relax and enjoy the little things in life. Every day I go for a walk, and instead of looking down, I look around me at the flowers and birds, smells and colours, it's about living in the moment,
It helps me appreciate my lovely life.