What inspires you? 

I probably find most of my inspiration from travelling and visiting museums and galleries. 

Also paging through art books. Sometimes even from watching TV and seeing a scene. One should be careful though. Artists can be influenced very easily.

What shaped you as an artist? Where did it all start? Was there art in your childhood? 

I was artistic from a young age. I would spend a lot of time on my own and with animals. I was raised on a small farm, so didn’t spend much time with other kids. I liked to paint and work with clay. My parents didn’t want me to study art. They said I would never be able to make a career from it.. haha.

Did you have a formal artistic education? If so, where and how much did it make a mark on the artist you are today? If not, do you ever wish that you had been to art school? 

I went to university to study science. But in my second year, I realised I wanted to be creative. 

So I went to study photography. The photography still helps me today, as I understand light. I did some courses at good schools over the years, but nothing full time. I think art school can be a tricky one. It either makes you or breaks you. 

What and who influences your creative practice? 

While I was studying photography, I was introduced to a well-known south African artist, Reshada Crouse. She is a portrait painter, and I sat for her for a portrait. That was a great experience. After finishing my studies, I moved to London, and there I met and befriended the late Lucian Freud, who probably is my biggest inspiration and reason for being an artist today.

Does your home country or the place where you live influence your  Art? 

Cape Town has a small, but great art scene. I think a lot of good art is being produced here at the moment. I currently live in Tulbagh. It’s about an hour outside Cape Town. It is very tranquil here, and I find I have a to more time than when I lived in the city. 

Where do your ideas come from? How do you hold onto and record your ideas? How do you develop them into art? 

Ideas come and go. I think the best ones become paintings. I have a scrapbook where I make drawings and keep notes. But usually, a visual is what works best for me. I can see something that speaks to me. Also when I start a painting and it just flows, then you know it’s gonna be a good one! 

When you start a new work or project, do you plan what you’re going to create or do you improvise? 

For me it usually to happens as it goes along. I don’t do that many pre-studies. When I’m working towards a new solo show, I will collect lots of images and put them all together and see how it works. But it’s an organic approach. It always changes 

Can you tell us a little more about what you are currently doing? What techniques are you working with? Are there very specific ideas you are trying to explore in your work? 

I have a couple of portrait commissions I’m working on, and as always works to supply to galleries. 

My works all consist of figurative elements or portraits with a mix of real and abstract. And lots of thick impasto paint. 

Do you enjoy reading? If so, what kinds of books? What are you currently reading? 

I’m not a big reader. I find in the evening I like to just wind down by watching some TV. I live in my head all day. Sometimes when I do get a book that grips me, then I will read it almost non-stop. I like to have a few books when I’m on holiday. Usually fiction. My husband reads a lot, so he keeps me all the best books. 

Do you listen to music? If so, what? Do you listen to music while you 

Work? 

I’m very bad when it comes to music. So don’t ask me to put together a playlist for you.. haha. 

I don’t really listen to music while working, but if I do, it will be classical. I love the piano. 

Do you have any hobbies? What do you do to relax when not working? 

We have a big garden. I love working with plants. Also, my next biggest interest is cooking. 

If I wasn’t an artist, I probably would end up being a chef. 

Who are your favourite artists – past and present? Why? 

I call them my Holy Trinity… Lucian Freud, Francis Bacon, Frank Auerbach. I think it’s the way they all mastered painting. The rawness of it. 

Do you collect art? If so, describe some of your favourite works. 

Yes, I collect art. One of the perks of being an artist is that you can swap work with other artists. 

I like portraiture but also have a few abstract pieces. My favourite piece is a sculpture by the South African artist Adriaan Diedericks. It’s 3 bronze arrows shot into the bedroom wall. 

Do you enjoy travelling? Where have you travelled to? Has that influenced your work? 

Yes, I love to travel. I’ve been very lucky to have travelled to many destinations. Hard to pick a favourite, perhaps Barcelona, and New York. The Metropolitan Museum was mind-blowing to me. Still is my favourite place to visit. But as holiday destinations, Greece and Italy. 

Do you think art has an important role to play in the world? 

Yes definitely. Without art, there would be a huge gap in culture. People can enjoy a good meal and have experiences, but art is forever. 

Do you have any advice for aspiring young artists? 

Just follow your heart. If you really want it, you need to be willing to work very hard. It’s constant hard work.