Originally from England, I’ve called New Zealand home since 2018. Drawing has been a constant in my life since childhood, with a lifelong love of illustration and the intricate, imaginative worlds that art can create. One of my biggest influences is John Tenniel’s original illustrations for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, particularly his fine etching, detailed cross-hatching and beautifully intricate linework — a style that continues to inspire my own work today.

My relationship with art hasn’t always been straightforward. After a difficult experience studying art at school, I stepped away from painting for years. It wasn’t until I moved to New Zealand that I began to reconnect with my creativity and pick up my paints again. Since then, I’ve rediscovered the joy of making art and the importance it holds in my life.

I’m passionate about exploring all mediums and creative avenues, from traditional illustration and painting to digital design and tattooing. I’ve written a children’s book and am currently developing the illustrations, with the dream of eventually bringing it to life in print.

After 17 years working in hospitality and retail, I’m incredibly happy to have taken the leap into pursuing visual arts as a full-time career. I’m now part of the creative team at Art + Body Creative Studio, where, after two years of studying tattooing, I’ve recently graduated from my apprenticeship under Jules and am excited to continue growing into this new chapter of my artistic journey.

Alongside my tattoo work, I create social media content, menus, posters and other visual material for a range of local businesses around Mount Maunganui. I love bringing ideas to life, experimenting with different styles and finding creative ways to tell stories through imagery.

For me, art has always been something I come back to. What started as a childhood passion has grown into a career that allows me to explore, create and keep learning every day — and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.