I have always had a drive to create. This was largely influenced by time spent with my grandmothers, (strong, resourceful women ahead of their time) watching and learning from them while they spun, wove, knitted and sewed. While they patiently shared their skills and knowledge, it was also a time where family stories and history were retold with a lot of love and laughter.

At Teachers College I majored in Art, specifically photography, painting and printmaking. While they remain my first loves, it was when I was exhibiting as part of the Wanganui Open studios with Rachel Johnson that I was introduced to making what I now call 'nesty baskets.'

When creating my nesty baskets, sometimes I have a clear idea of the shape they will take, other times their form evolves from the shape of the base or as a happy accident when I am trying to form new shapes. It is almost a meditative process while stitching and shaping where patience is key. My favourite part is the feathers, when I literally 'feather my nests.' I love the colour and brilliance of the feathers, and how this changes depending on the light. Often it is the most unusual combination of colour and pattern that are the most successful.