When did you develop your love for art and what did you do prior to Fintona?
While I was in secondary school I enjoyed Art classes and was encouraged by my teachers to continue on with Art. After Art school, I was drawn to teaching as a profession. I have worked at a number of independent schools in Melbourne since leaving university.
As well as co-ordinating art full-time at Fintona you are also a practising artist. Tell us a bit about that.
I really enjoy painting when I get the chance and throughout the years I have had a number of group and solo exhibitions – both locally and overseas. My last exhibition was well received and was personally successful. I like to work in oils but also like to explore other painting materials. I draw inspiration from a variety of sources including contemporary popular culture, music, film, books – pretty much anywhere. I also take a lot from art history as well as contemporary Australian art and artists.
What is your vision for art at Fintona?
First and foremost I would like the students to enjoy Art, and more importantly, to become aware of the visual art around them and how important it is in our world. Art is at the heart of what we do as individuals and collectively, as a society. It teaches us about who we are and what we value, both on a personal level and in a cultural sense. Furthermore, Art provides students with opportunities to develop problem solving skills in a creative way and it also strengthens their visual literacy. These things, in my opinion, are vital, particularly because of the rate of change we are experiencing in regard to technology, the environment, politics and vocational expectations.
Apart from painting in your spare time, what else do you like to do outside of school?
I really enjoy being with my family especially my son. I also have a keen interest in photography as well as going to the footy (I barrack for Geelong), listening to music, and reading. I also like to travel and rate visiting Budapest and Berlin as two of my favourite travel experiences.