My fascination and flair for photography began about three decades ago in a thriving artists’ culture in Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania, Australia, where I grew up.

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Initially I dived into the world of black and white photography with gusto.  It was not unusual for my instructor to chastise me for spending too much time in the dark room! I mastered the techniques, but rebellious at heart and naturally curious, I couldn't resist going against the norm. I delighted in experimenting and creating different effects.

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For example, I took photographs in very low light without a flash (I still do occasionally). This was partly driven by my hectic social life. Hobart, with its many pubs was a haven for local rock bands. I loved the loud music, stage lights, people crammed into a room and the raw energy of performing musicians. I challenged myself to capture the exhilaration. I created a smooth, diffused, fine dotted effect of the subject, which suggested secrecy, surrender and delicious mischief to the viewer. It was unlike anything being produced at the time. Some of my photos were presented for a record album cover for a local band and some were printed alongside related articles in a magazine produced by the first alternative radio station in Tasmania, 92FM. 

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Inevitably I progressed to colour photography, but black and white photographs remain a feature in my collections. That's how my personal visual record of life experience began. I didn't know it then, but the intrigue of creating art photography would become a lifelong joy.

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There was another significant and completely different force that lured me into photography. Tasmania and its rugged, untouched wilderness offered a magnificent stage for learning the skill of landscape photography. My love of bushwalking led me into breathtaking land, sea and skyscapes. The colours can be brilliant and dramatic but also beautifully subtle and peaceful.

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Over the years my style of photography developed with many influences, but interestingly, learning the techniques of painting such as composition, theme and lighting, was a major grounding influence. I was very fortunate to have studied under renowned Tasmanian artist Jeff Dyer for 12mths. Jeff' won the prestigious Archibald Prize, his work is represented in many major collections in Australia and overseas and he is now exclusively represented at a gallery in Melbourne.

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There were three other artists that made a powerful impression upon me. Firstly, John Brack Australian artist in the 1950s. I would often go to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery simply to sit directly in front of a painting called John and Betty to admire it. John and Betty is one of John Brack's exceptional Ballroom Dancers series. Secondly, Freiderick Hundertwasser, a Viennese painter who emerged in the mid 1940s. I was captivated by his luminous abstracts. His work was once described as "unusual sense of colour and form". Then there was the surrealist Salvador Dali. I loved his wonderful ability for composition and design, playful use of line and colour, semi-abstract forms that altered our perspective and his sense of fun with the viewer.

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It is no surprise that vibrant colour, confident use of line and abstract compositions are frequently strong features in my photography. Lucky for me the rapid changes with digital cameras and sophisticated software in recent years, offers many tools to enhance and play with the medium. My whole approach to photography and other art forms, has been one of pure fun and discovery, so after a steep learning curve with the software, I am in my element.

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Since I embraced fine art photography there have been many life experiences impacting upon my work resulting in exhibitions, displays and a long practice of producing art greeting cards using my photos. I am in the privileged position to be able to see how my particular style developed and continues to flourish!

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