I make squishy, soft sculptures from fabrics like stretch PVC and rubberised materials. I stuff them like pillows, often add a few teeth or other facial features and hang them from gallery walls. I also love to paint the odd portrait and landscape as well.
Why do you do it?
It’s my art obsession, my pieces are my children. I’m also a bit of a control freak and make stuff that represents my current mood and personality. I like interpreting my sentiments, which often range from meaningful, meaningless, obscure, ornate or just slightly crackers. Basically it keeps me, but mostly others around me, sane.
What do you love about the city you live in?
It’s beautiful one day and bloody hot the next – although I’d prefer it just beautiful without the heat. I enjoy a visit to the Gold Coast Art Centre for a culture fix and also love the Coast’s laidback atmosphere.
Where did you go for your last holiday?
Do working holidays count? Most of my breaks are stolen moments between installations and de- installations at galleries. Noosa Regional Gallery, at the Sunshine Coast, was my last holiday/ exhibition, though Asia and New Zealand seem to be our regular haunts for overseas trips.
What's your favourite item of clothing?
I used to be a dressmaker and I love fabrics with unusual prints (at the moment it’s Hawaiian, so it must be time for a holiday). Generally I don’t follow fashion trends; I love mixing and stitching different prints together and love fabrics that feel comfortable like cottons and silk. I still make most of my own clothes and love collecting fabrics ready for when I have time for a sewing fest.
What was your favourite TV show when you were a kid?
‘Dr Who’ with Tom Baker as I always loved the B-grade sets and costumes. I also liked watching ‘Life On Earth’ hosted by Sir David Attenborough because he always made everything look and sound so awesome.
If you could travel back in time for a day, where would you go?
Hmmm, would you have the power to alter history? Actually I would prefer to travel to the future and see what has become of us in another 100 years.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us?
If you were nice… probably food. Seriously I don’t spend a lot of time being domestic these days and have become the queen of the one-pot wonder. If it can’t all go in one pot – entree, mains & dessert – then it doesn’t get cooked.
What's the best lesson you've ever learned?
Life’s too short to wait around for stuff to happen, and if you don’t ask for it you won’t get it! But most importantly still be polite.
Tell us one thing about yourself that nobody else knows...
I can keep a secret. It’s just like that time I was meant to keep... shhhh can’t tell you anymore… yet.
Are you happy with your work/ life balance?
Yes I am happy… things tend to even out and they both dictate what’s going to be important at any particular time. At the moment I’m ready for some serious, festive-season living as it’s been a very full-on year.
How do you define success?
When a job is done well and you’re happy with the results.
What's your spirit animal?
Well, I have the eyes of a hawk for details. I’m as stubborn as a mule and as sure-footed as a mountain goat in knowing where I want to be, and I’m as driven as a leopard in quick decision making. So I guess my spirit animal is a Hawmugoaleopard!
