Tell us about your creative discipline.

I guess you could call me a creative entrepreneur. I have a background in photography and videography spanning over two decades. However, a move to a rural setting in 2020 ignited my passion for flower cultivation and preservation. I now specialise in crafting framed preserved bouquets from wedding flowers and conducting workshops to celebrate and share the beauty of flowers. Additionally, I established Splatter Shed in 2023, a unique space where individuals can unleash their creativity by flinging paint onto canvases or each other.

What cities/towns have you lived in (or spent more than a few months in) beginning with the place of your birth?

I grew up in Meyerton, South Africa and made the move to New Zealand in 2004 to join my now husband in Auckland. We stayed in Auckland for just over 10 years before moving to the beautiful Bay of Plenty, and have settled in Ohauiti.

What are the earliest stories you remember hearing? The ones that told you about the world?

My earliest memories include my grandfather telling me about the fairies in the garden. I used to spend hours playing in his rose garden and pretending to be part of that fairy world. I now have my own rose garden and a fairy garden to continue this tradition with my daughter.

 

What’s your favourite Bay of Plenty landscape, park, building, location, suburb, or side street? Why?

I am very fortunate to live on a beautiful piece of Bay of Plenty paradise with great views stretching to the Kaimai Mountain Range and walkways down to a peaceful pond setting. Being an introvert by nature, my home is very much my favourite place to be – surrounded by my flowers, too! In saying that, the Bay of Plenty has beauty around every corner and you don’t need to go far to see a breathtaking vista.

Can you share the story behind Glad & Grace farm and how it became a hub for your dried floral artistry?

Following the confinement of the Covid months, my family, like numerous others, yearned for open spaces, and fortunately, we stumbled upon the ideal residence in upper Ohauiti. Despite the property’s meticulous landscaping, it was devoid of flowers. Thus, I embarked on the task of establishing new garden beds to infuse the landscape with colour. This endeavour sparked a rekindling of my passion for drying and preserving flowers, leading us to carve out a dedicated space for my creative pursuits.

 

What’s an average day in your life at present? 

This changes from season to season, but, with it currently being summer, I generally spend mornings tending to my garden, watering seedling babies, and weeding garden beds. Afternoons are usually spent in my air-conditioned workshop/studio where you will find me working on framed bouquets, editing photography projects, or working on new creations. I try to end my days in the garden, admiring the beauty of it, the colours of sunset in the sky, and with my cats at my feet.

What music was present and still memorable from your youth/adolescence? 

My youth and adolescence were filled with an eclectic mix of musical influences. With a mother who serenaded us with classical tunes during breakfast and a father who spun records as a wedding DJ, music was omnipresent in my upbringing. Before the era of streaming platforms like Spotify, I became the go-to person among my friends for discovering the latest tunes. Road trips were sound-tracked by timeless classics from The Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Simon and Garfunkel. Interestingly, it wasn’t until later years that I truly appreciated the depth and brilliance of this music. This diverse musical upbringing continues to influence my eclectic taste in music today.

 

Tell us about the idea behind the Splatter Shed! What do participants get out of it? Who do you recommend it is for?

Splatter Shed was conceived as an inclusive space where individuals of all ages and skill levels could come together to unleash their creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking to try something new, there’s something for everyone. Our sessions are perfect for team-building exercises, birthday celebrations, or simply gathering friends for a unique and memorable experience. We have received fantastic feedback, with a number of participants highlighting its stress-relieving qualities. Amid the chaos of splattering paint, there’s a sense of release and liberation. It’s a cathartic experience that allows individuals to let go of their worries and immerse themselves fully in the moment.

For you as a creative person, who are three influential artists or thinkers?  

My greatest inspiration comes from my Christian faith in the ultimate Creator. I can’t help but be inspired by the beauty that surrounds me. From the meticulously arranged petals of a dahlia to the captivating disorder of a peony, nature itself serves as an endless wellspring of creativity and wonder.

 

Could you share some memorable experiences or testimonials from clients who have entrusted their wedding bouquets to be preserved at Glad & Grace?

A few weeks back, I hosted my very first Floral Fling Workshop. As everyone was busy creating, one of the participants said, “I feel so at peace here.” It warmed my heart to hear that because creating that kind of tranquil vibe is exactly what I aim for in my floral studio. Working with flowers just has this magical way of calming the soul.

What are you planning for 2024 that nobody knows about yet? 

I have been accepted into the Garden & Art Festival and look forward to sharing my garden and showcasing my floral work.

 

In one sentence, can you define art?

Contrary to what a lecturer once said to me, I believe that art is very much subjective and is indefinable.

What word of advice would you offer an aspiring creative person? 

Find something that can bring in money. As a creative, it took me a long time to understand the value of what I do and charge accordingly. Many creatives would do it simply for the love of it, but unfortunately money is needed in order for us to keep doing what we do.

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