Fashion, Art and Craft have always been my passions.
I have trained in Art and Design at Nelson Polytech and The Learning Connextion in Wellington.
In 2003 I graduated from Massey University Wellington with a Diploma in Fashion and Technology.
After working in the fashion industry for a few years I decided I had to break out and do my own thing; I wanted my designs to look as if they came from NZ and no-where else, to reflect and celebrate Aotearoa. I hope I am achieving this.
The World of Wearable Art Awards (WOW) is also a passion for me -as it combines my favorite things, I have successfully entered it four times, and the equally great Style Pasifika twice.
My aim is to create functional beauty.
I do all my illustrations from scratch, with pencil on paper and then fill in with ink.
My drawings take from 10 -40 hours, depending on the size.
I draw directly from life when I can, for example the Pohutukawa (New Zealand's Christmas tree) and use photographs as guides when my subjects won't stay still! (for example the Fantail)
I then transfer my images onto a silk screen and print all my tea towels and t-shirts by hand, using only 100% solvent free non toxic water based textile inks.
All my garments are designed by me, and made in New Zealand.
They are a fitted style to flatter the female form.
The fabric I use is natural fibre -such as cotton or merino, which means less impact on the enviroment.
My T-shirts always have lycra or elastine in them-so they keep their shape.
Buy New Zealand made and support New Zealand workers.
As with my T-shirts I've created drawings of plants and wildlife native to New Zealand.
Hopefully fostering a pride and awareness of our beautiful Aotearoa.
The Tea-towels are 100% cotton and hand screen -printed by me.