What is your most treasured object and why?

A gold chain necklace I inherited from my Nana, who has now passed away. I wear it pretty much every day.

With your diverse background as a clinical psychologist can you talk us through how your career took a turn to being a full-time artist and how this may have influenced your work?

At the moment I split my career 50/50 and work two days at the NZ Eating Disorder Clinic, spend two days in my art studio, and have one day off with my four year old daughter. I grew up with a mum who is an art teacher and my whole life I’ve painted as a hobby. However, I started painting more while on maternity leave. I loved how painting provided me with a creative outlet and helped me to find a sense of balance during a really busy time. I soon came to realise that I needed a creative outlet in order to sustain my career as a clinical psychologist and to give me the energy I need to be a present and attentive mum. I now have this lovely dyadic relationship between my two careers, where I feel as though I couldn’t have one without the other. It’s sometimes a juggle balancing two separate careers, but I’m learning as I go and I’m lucky that my hours are very flexible. 

How do you relax in your time off and where in your home is your zen space?

I love to gather with family and friends, relax by the pool or at the beach, or go on bike rides and walks with my family. My kids are young and our time off is generally pretty active at the moment! My home zen space is in the window box of our dining room. It’s a lovely space to read a book with a cup of tea.  It looks out across the garden and bush area behind our home and I love watching the Tui’s in the trees. We back onto a small urban native bush and it gives the illusion that we are miles away from the city.

Do you enjoy doing puzzles? Have you completed your own puzzle by Lettuce?

I have to admit most of my puzzle activity centres around my kids and they are pretty basic. I gave my Lettuce puzzle a try a couple of weeks ago and soon realised it might be a puzzle that takes a few weeks, rather than a few hours!

How would you describe your personal interior style and how has this evolved over the years?

I love to host family and friends and have always aspired to have a home that is inviting, welcoming, and homely. We are not too precious and I let the kids create all over the kitchen table and build huts with the furniture. I love collecting homemade pottery, vases, art, and interesting books. We are currently investing in some new floor-to-ceiling custom made shelves and cabinets in our lounge so I can display our books and ceramics. I’m drawn to colours found in nature (a bit like my artwork) and I’ve decorated the house with a palette of greens and neutral tones, with the odd pop of colour from artwork. Perhaps unsurprisingly, I’m addicted to flowers and greenery and have plants and vases in every room of the house. 

What are your daily rituals on your painting days? Do you have set days that you paint or do you need to be in the mood?

I paint every Wednesday and Thursday, and I try to paint one evening a week. I have a friend who is starting her own art practice and she paints in the studio with me every Thursday and it’s lovely to have some company. I always light a scented candle, make a cup of tea (or a glass of wine at night) and put on a podcast or some music. Amongst busy family life, the time in the studio is precious and I tend to be able to paint in any mood.

Do the seasons play a part in your painting inspiration and in which way?

I am fascinated by seasonal change and I’m constantly studying leaves, textures, flowers, and new growth in my surroundings. We’re so lucky to be surrounded by such extraordinary landscape and beauty in NZ. I am currently working on a series of 12 mini paintings that represent each month, but are all interconnected. Each painting explores how seasonal changes in light, temperature and colour each month impact our mood and disposition.

Do you prefer to read or listen to podcasts / music while you are working?  What are your favourite top 1-3 reads/podcasts/songs?

I love listening to music, podcasts, and audiobooks while I’m painting. My favourite podcasts are the moment are Super Creative and The Curve. I recently listened to the audiobook ‘The Women’ by Kristin Hannah, which was fantastic. Next on my list is ‘The Great Alone’ by the same author.

Where do you hope to spend most of your time this summer?

At the beach with family and friends. We split our summer holiday’s between my family at Waihi Beach and my husband’s family at Lang’s beach. When we’re at home we wander down the road to Kohimarama Beach where all our local friends hang out. There is nothing better than friends, family, salty hair, sandcastle building, crab hunting, ice-creams, picnics, and summer BBQ’s.

What is your go-to entertaining dish over summer?

With the age and phase of our family, we mainly opt for homemade pizzas or burgers on the BBQ. If I’ve got a bit more time up my sleeve, I love anything from my much-loved Ottolenghi cook books and the salads from the Ripe recipe books are superb for summer entertaining.  

What pieces have you painted and not been able to part with ? Which pieces are hanging in your home and where?

I painted my first ever extra-large garden painting for our stairwell as a trial run. It’s now been there for 3 years and I don’t think we’ll be able to part with it. I love how it brings a slice of nature and greenery into our living area. I recently painted a abstract piece for our master bedroom in calming green tones. I love waking up and seeing how the morning light reflects off the different shades of green. I’m a bit picky with hanging my own art in our home as I tend to pull it apart and over analyse it. However, every now and again, it’s impossible to part with a piece. I also find it helpful experiencing what it’s like to live with my art, as it helps me to see it through my collectors eyes, and it helps with refining, developing, and growing new pieces.