The artist behind Arty Flare

I think I've always been an artist, as I've been “arty farty” all my life — I just didn't always have a pencil in my hand.

When I was 10 or 11 years old I traced a little rabbit cartoon figure from a book. Dad challenged me to draw it again, not believing me when I said I'd drawn it myself. I did — and surprised us both 🤣. From that day on, I never really questioned whether I could draw. My high school art teacher later recognised that I had a natural knack for realism and depth of field.

Life took over as an adult, and the pencils were put aside. That didn't mean creativity disappeared — far from it. Over the years I explored all sorts of creative pursuits: crochet, ceramics, painting, photography, 3D impressions, framing, candle making and many other creative adventures. Some stayed for a while, others came and went.

When my children flew the nest, so did I, and for the first time I had the space and freedom to rediscover the things that made me happy. I'd moved into a small apartment, which meant there was no longer room for a lifetime's worth of craft supplies. You could say I had to de-clutter my artistry. And somewhere amongst all that simplifying, I found my way back to drawing.

The first time I picked up my pencils again as an adult was while visiting family in Cairns, when I drew a native tree frog sitting on a lichen-covered branch. I no longer have that drawing, or even a photo of it, but I remember what it meant. Finishing that frog proved that I could still draw — and, more importantly, reminded me just how much I loved doing it.

Today, animals and wildlife are at the heart of my work. They've been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I love capturing the details, expressions and personalities that make each one unique. These days, whenever I visit family or travel somewhere new, I love visiting the local zoo or wildlife sanctuary to take photos of the animals. I'm always hoping to catch an animal with a unique pose, expression or little detail that makes me want to put pencil to paper.

For me, drawing is my happy place. Once I start, I become completely absorbed — what feels like minutes can turn into hours. My mind is busy learning and solving problems, while the rest of me becomes calm and still. Zen. Every drawing teaches me something new, and I love knowing that I can keep learning and improving with every piece.

Today, my art is a continuation of something that has been part of me since that little girl drew a cartoon rabbit and stubbornly insisted, “I did too draw it.” Ultimately, this is where I feel most like me.