Kia ora koe
Hello, welcome!
Nau mai, haere mai!
Drawing has always been
my way of life
It’s how I make sense of the world. Just me, a pencil, some paper (and often an eraser close by).
My creative path has taken many turns. I trained first as a designer, then as a teacher. I’ve spent over 28 years in the film industry and commercial interiors, illustrating storyboards, designing and visualising sets, painting murals, and even painting directly onto human bodies.
Most recently, I returned to education, co-writing and teaching a four-year bachelor’s degree in Themed Environment Design. That experience rekindled my interest in how we learn and led me to reconnect with my years as a primary school teacher and the value of early education and stories.
These days, I’ve been working on something close to my heart: The Dog’s Tales. A collection of illustrated stories about real dogs and their human companions. They’re a joyful outlet for me, combining a lifelong love of animals with the simple pleasure of drawing.
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease a few years ago, and while it’s brought its challenges, it’s also sharpened my focus. I now spend my time doing what I love most – telling stories that bring people together and spark joy!
Always by my side
(and often stealing the show)
We had Betty, a lively Jack Russell, for 15 action-packed years. She was a real character! Well known and well loved. Betty sometimes came with me to film sets, but often she had her own work to do as an actress in TV commercials, both here in New Zealand and overseas. (Stay tuned for her stories coming soon!)
Now we have gorgeous Bruna Bear. A cavoodle with oodles of love and affection. Still young but learning fast. She’s the latest in a long line of companions who have inspired The Dog’s Tales.
The Dog’s Tales are all based on true stories about real dogs and their human friends. Gathered over the years, and drawn straight from the heart. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I’ve enjoyed creating them.