I grew up on a sheep farm in East Gippsland, Victoria. The farm was fairly isolated – it was about 30km to the nearest town – so I spent a lot of time on my own and did a lot of craft and drawing to fill in the time. My mum taught me a lot of different crafts, such as knitting, spinning, crochet and sewing, and I would spend hours doing pencil drawings, copying portraits from magazines. I started selling my pencil drawings at about age 15 at the local annual arts and crafts market.
As a teenager, I thought gardens and farm life were pretty boring and I couldn’t wait to leave for the bright lights of the big city. I headed overseas on exchange spending a year in Denmark where I was introduced to Scandinavian design and architecture, snow and hygge – the uniquely Danish practice of creating that special feeling of cosiness and happiness – and of course, pastries! It was all such an eye-opener after life on the farm. Then on I went to uni in Melbourne. I didn’t know whether to pursue art or writing, which I was good at in school. I chose journalism, which I don’t regret one bit as this saw me working in Melbourne, Sydney and Hong Kong until my early 30s.
I am a full-time artist and my studio is at home. I pretty much work office hours and am fairly disciplined and routine driven. After breakfast my husband and I will walk the dog, and then I’ll start in the studio. I like to do studies, small works or prep in the morning and larger works in the afternoon. I like deadlines – I think it’s the journalism training.
This story is from the January 2024 edition of Australian House & Garden Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 2024 edition of Australian House & Garden Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
URBAN SANCTUARY
Industrial features-and contemporary interior design coalesce in this built-froma ch city warehouse tucked away in the back streets of inner Melbourne.
WORLD of roses
These symbols of peace, joy and love are said to be more than 35 million years old.
Time TRAVELLER
A Sydney family gives their heritage home the garden it deserves, with help from a dream team of experts.
FREE range
A contemporary farmhouse, built for multigenerational living, strikes the perfect balance between cohesive design and personalised spaces.
HOME comforts
Shop these three elegant looks, from earthy and natural to pared-back monochromatic and coastal chic.
Calming canopy
INVITING THE OUTSIDE IN HAS TURNED THIS EXPANSIVE ENSUITE INTO A BLISSFUL RETREAT.
COASTAL character
A clever layout redesign and natural palette transform a dark house into a breezy family home with ocean views and plenty of natural light.
Entertaining
VIBRANT DISHES THAT ARE PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING.
LUCKY MOVE
The Block's Marty Fox has flipped 14 houses in his time, but this Victorian mansion in Melbourne holds a special place in his heart.
A CERTAIN CHARM
A young couple enlists the expertise of a savvy team to refresh and expand their original 1930s Brisbane worker's cottage into a light-filled family home.