A label given to me as a child that, looking back, probably summed me up rather well. Creativity is in my bones and, while it hasn't always been a paintbrush I was holding, I've always lived and breathed creativity in one form or another.

I've spent my life creating, from painting and drawing as a child to more than 25 years working across graphic design, exhibition and retail design, and interiors. Each creative pursuit has shaped the next, developing my eye for colour, composition and form, and influencing the way I approach my art today.

Painting is something I've returned to at different stages throughout my life, bringing new experiences and ideas with me each time. My practice today feels like a natural culmination of those creative pursuits, but with the freedom to experiment, follow my instincts and create entirely on my own terms.

Painting is also an escape for me. It quietens my mind, and I love watching colours, marks and textures unfold. Sometimes I begin with a clear idea, other times I have absolutely no idea where a painting will end up. And I love that.

Born and raised in Cronulla, I now divide my time between two quite different places – a contemporary home by the coast and our more rustic country property in Canyonleigh, in the Southern Highlands. That contrast probably explains a little about the two distinct sides of my work.

My abstracts are often influenced by the changing light, colours and movement of the coastal waterways. They're largely intuitive, built through layers of acrylic, inks, fluid washes and expressive marks. I often paint over, scrape back or change direction completely, allowing each painting to evolve as I work.

Then there's my love of still lifes – flowers, interesting vessels, patterned fabrics and everyday objects, perhaps a little influenced by the slower pace of country life. Occasionally, an animal with a bit of personality finds its way onto the canvas too. While the subjects are more recognisable, I'm just as interested in playing with colour and composition. Sometimes the background ends up demanding just as much attention as the flowers, and I'm perfectly happy with that.

They might look quite different, but both sides of my work share a love of colour, composition and experimentation. They're both very much me, and I don't feel the need to choose between them.