I take my inspiration from the many social events that Hawkes Bay boasts - the joie de vivre of the people who come to enjoy our art deco, our wine culture, beaches and fabulous weather.  I am fascinated by man made images, colour, movement and what draws a response in the viewer.
I have many influences - I truly admire the precision of Andrew Wyeth and Graeme Sydney but have neither the patience nor perseverance to work that way. I adore Modigliani and have perhaps borrowed the attenuated figure from him.  I realize also that some Vettriano prints that I have lived with for years have had a subliminal effect on my work.  However, I strive to keep my work fresh and original.  I have come to a stage where people can recognize my "style" - something I have been aiming for since I started.
I enjoy accidents and I will often allow things to happen on the canvas - the ink technique I use was serendipitous and has become a real trademark of my work.  I work through a series of processes until I am satisfied that the canvas is ready for the final touch and then (my favourite bit) I go to work with a kebab stick and ink, giving character and expression to my people and including lots of detail.