I love looking, thinking, and doing. The visual arts are a major preoccupation for me.
My professional background is in publishing, with my last ‘real job’ as production editor for Otago University Press, Dunedin, New Zealand. Prior to that I was art editor with Longacre Press and I have also designed books for McIndoe Publishers, Bridge Hill, Otago Heritage Press, and the Department of Conservation.
I’m an Aussie but have chosen to live in beautiful Enzed for three decades, apart from a recent interlude of two years when I rode a motorbike throughout Australia, covering 70,000 kms. The experience of ‘wandering in the wilderness’, while observing nature closely and living simply, was a pivotal one. It honed my visual awareness of the rhythms, connections and relationships of this marvellous world we are part of.
I became fascinated by detail – the patterns and structure inherent in my surroundings. It is these themes and motifs, not necessarily Australian but universal, that I explore in my work.
Since returning to Dunedin, my creative streak has been unleashed. I like to try my hand at different things. Inspiration comes from the natural world, history, and community. Photography fascinates me and I also enjoy painting, with acrylic my preferred medium. I have also completed a mosaic art commission for a church garden. Oh yes, I’m writing a book as well. I think I’ll learn the ukelele next. So much to do!
Jenny