Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you started your journey as an artist? 

From a young age I was the type of kid that just drew for hours to entertain myself. I think by the time I finished primary school, I instinctively knew Art was going to be a big part of my life. So going to Art School and then later studying Textile Design felt like it was the right move, but it's still taken many years to hone in on what it was that I wanted to make Art about. What inspired you to start creating botanical prints, and how has your style evolved over the yearsI only started to focus on Australian natives in both my Textile Design and Art practice since I moved to the Blue Mountains 14 years ago. I think the incredibly beautiful environment up here played a big part in that. My style has evolved over time, and still is evolving. I have a few different styles/ mediums that I work in, that overlap, but I think now it's my Australian Botanical focus that really connects all my work. 

Can you walk us through your creative process?

I do lots of research looking for native flora and fauna with painterly potential. Some plants and animals lend themselves to being painted or drawn and others don't, so I'm always looking for that combination of some fascinating plant or animal that also has elements that will translate into an interesting or beautiful artwork. I also take lots of photos when I'm out bushwalking, but I also scour the net and books for information on plants and animals not in my region. 

How did you translate the unique beauty of Tasmania’s landscapes and wildflowers into the print designs for the Neverland collection?

Using the beautiful photos you provided from your trip was my starting point, then figuring out which plants leant themselves to being drawn and how they would work with each other. Then it's playing around with combinations of motifs and colours and spacing etc, until something starts to click. 

Do you have a favourite plant or flower that you love to depict in your art? What does it symbolise for you?

There's a few I come back to like Flannel Flowers and Waratahs. They are both beautiful and unique flowers but are challenging to capture, so I keep retuning to them. The Waratah in particular has such a unique and complex structure, that it's an ongoing challenge as an artist.

Which print from the Neverland collection resonates with you the most?

I am a bit of a 'Maximalist' when it comes to prints and patterns, so I can't go past the multi floral, multi colour all over floral print - Melaleuca. I can't wait to see it in the range. 

What message do you hope to convey through your art about the importance of preserving natural beauty and biodiversity. 

The state of our natural environment deeply concerns me and trying to remain optimistic about the future isn't easy. So when I portray our often endangered native species I don't necessarily push any messaging alongside the work, as I don't want to add to the sadness and negativity, but I hope by focusing on our incredible flora and fauna, people seeing the work appreciate what we have here in Australia and that we need to look after it.