After selling a few canvas at a local gallery show, with encouragement from a friend I started to document my art journey and created a Facebook page. What began as simply sharing my work and connecting with other like-minded artists soon transformed into a full art business.
Initially I worked on canvas, painting nature inspired pieces, however as my business and products grew, I switched to working with different mediums that would be easier to produce for online sale.
I found mugs to not only be less time consuming to make, but also a popular choice for my online customers. My signature Oh For Fox Sake! range began as an entry to a Spoonflower challenge, where participants were required to design a fabric based around the theme “nocturnal animals”. I immediately chose to focus on foxes, remembering the ones from the UK.
I had a lightbulb moment remembering the slogan “oh for fox sake!”, and without further ado my famous mug range was born. I now have a full fox-inspired collection of mugs available to purchase. It’s impossible to read them with a straight face!
My pieces transcend my fox inspired mugs, I also create repeat patterns, anything surface pattern design related and I am all in!
I have the flexibility to work from home, in Rotorua, New Zealand, whilst looking after my three children. I also work part-time in ECE and as the regional coordinator for Mums4Mums Mums4Mums charitable organization. I am also the Rotorua lead artist for Paintvine Paintvine Paint & Wine Party
For as long as I can remember, I have loved being creative and making art. I have drawn all my life and try to carve a bit of time each day just to create.
As the year comes to a close, I find myself reminiscing about my enduring passion for pattern design. It has been a journey filled with creativity, inspiration, and the joy of bringing unique visions to life. Patterns, to me, are more than mere repetition; they are an art form that captivates the eye and ignites the imagination.
My love for pattern design stems from an inherent fascination with the power of repetition and symmetry. Whether it be the delicate interplay of floral motifs or the bold geometric shapes that dance across a canvas, patterns possess an enchanting rhythm that speaks to my soul. Through careful arrangement and considered color choices, I strive to create designs that evoke emotions, tell stories, and transport observers into a world where artistry transforms everyday objects.
What captivates me most about pattern design is its versatility. It permeates various aspects of life, from fashion and home decor to textiles and digital media. Patterns have the remarkable ability to elevate ordinary objects into extraordinary works of art, bringing vitality and character to any space they inhabit. The notion that a well-crafted pattern can inspire and uplift both the creator and the beholder is a constant source of motivation for me.
In my creative process, I draw inspiration from myriad sources. Nature's intricate forms, mesmerizing landscapes, and the vibrant hues of the world around me all shape my designs. Experiences, cultures, and historical art movements add depth and richness to my creations, ensuring they reflect the diversity of the human experience.
Every pattern I design carries a piece of me within it. It is a reflection of my identity as an artist, a testimony to countless hours spent experimenting, refining, and taking risks. Each stroke of the brush, each click of the mouse, is an opportunity to express my creativity and connect with others through the universal language of visual art.
To witness my patterns come to life is a truly gratifying experience. Seeing them adorning textiles, merchandise, or even adorning the walls of a gallery fills my heart with an indescribable sense of accomplishment. Knowing that others find joy and inspiration in my work is a reminder of the profound impact creativity can have on the world.
As I bid adieu to 2023, I carry my love for pattern design into the future. Armed with passion, determination, and an unwavering commitment to growth, I eagerly anticipate the new artistic challenges that lie ahead. I am fueled by the belief that pattern design has the power to transform spaces, evoke emotions, and foster connections across cultures and generations.
So here's to the year to come—a year filled with bold new designs, unexpected inspirations, and countless opportunities to share my love for pattern design with the world.It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.
