Born in South Africa in 1981, I grew up surrounded by the wildlife and vast open landscapes of the African bush, close to the Kruger National Park. From an early age, I felt a deep connection to animals, and much of my childhood was spent drawing and observing the wildlife I was fortunate enough to experience so closely. Those early experiences continue to shape both my life and my work as an artist.

Now based in Suffolk, UK, I return to South Africa whenever I can to visit family and spend time in the bush. My paintings begin long before I enter the studio. I take my own reference photographs, spending time with animals to capture something of their true presence. Back in the studio, I return to these images and study them carefully, sometimes for hours, until I reconnect with the moment and the quiet intensity I experienced.

I work in a variety of media, including charcoal, pencil, pastel, although most of my paintings are created in oil on linen. I place my subjects against simple, understated backgrounds, allowing their character and quiet strength to stand alone. Often, it is only the reflection in the eye that hints at the wider world beyond the frame.

Painting is more than a profession to me; it feels like a purpose. It brings a sense of stillness and focus that is difficult to describe. My hope is that each finished piece carries something of that same presence and emotion, a quiet invitation to pause and connect with the natural world.