I grew up in East London in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, where my love for art began. From an early age, I was drawn to creativity, studying art throughout school and later continuing at university.
My passion for nature and the environment has been a constant in my life, inspiring me to pursue further studies in nature conservation. Focusing on botany and zoology, I developed a deep fascination with the science behind nature's beauty, which continues to influence my work.
Over the years, my appreciation for nature has grown, particularly my love for indigenous plants, flowers, birds, animals, and other creatures. This admiration fuels my art, as I strive to capture the perfection of flowers and the character of the creatures I encounter. Each piece is a challenge and a joy, created with meticulous detail in watercolour, oil, graphite pencil, and gouache.
I had the privilege of being mentored by Ann Harris and the late Diana Carmichael, two esteemed botanical artists who helped shape my skills. Their guidance instilled in me a love for precision, which is reflected in my representational style, focusing on accuracy and realism.
In 2010, I was honoured to receive a bronze medal for my first entry at the Kirstenbosch Biennale Exhibition. Since then, my work has been showcased in several exhibitions, including the Johannesburg Botanical Art Exhibitions in 2011 and 2012, the Kirstenbosch Biennale in 2013, and a group exhibition at Halifax Art in Parkhurst in 2014.
Since 2015, I have been teaching private art classes to teenagers and adults from my studio in Bryanston. Sharing my knowledge and passion with others has been incredibly rewarding. I also worked as a locum art teacher at St Peter's Boys School in 2016, teaching Grades 3 to 7.