On a crisp 1997 April morning, the dean's of Rhodes University in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, conferred my Bachelor of Fine Art. The power of growing up in a colourful, culturally rich and politically diverse country, seeded within me the desire to explore and a year after graduation, I embarked on a journey which would last 10 years and which would result in my final resting in Vancouver. A journey punctuated by the trail of paintings which are held in private collections in Europe and Australia.

An Academic grounding and a world of seemingly infinite possibilities can impose a cauldron of pressure on a young painter which begs for a defining moment. My moment occurred after the opening of the Tate Modern, an opening in which the mastery on display overwhelmed me. My crystallizing moment came a year later when I reached my zenith of disillusionment as yet another dull installation and its underwhelming 20 page supporting document took residence in the Tate Modern's temporary exhibition space. Disillusionment caused by art which reduced its viewers to whispering subjects, each afraid to utter the words 'the emperor does not have any clothes'.

My time in London, UK was consumed with the dual pressures of seeking artistic direction while maintaining a living. I continued to paint primarily on a commission only basis and immersed myself in in the opportunities which presented themselves. This lead to a unique learning experience as the General Manager of a successful restaurant with Wagamama UK. An experience which allowed me to complete my education by rounding my abilities as a professional while granting me a business perspective and clarified my ability to communicate with all levels of society on both a personal and professional level. In addition it clarified my aptitude to ascend within my chosen area of focus, thus providing a level headed approach to the challenges that face a full time professional artist and offering confidence in my vision.

I settled in Vancouver, Canada in September 2008 and have found re-invigoration and inspiration in the timeless, dramatic landscape of the city nestled in the patient west coast wilderness. Since 2008 I have been working tirelessly as a full time artist to create a body of works which not only do justice to the city in which they were born, but also works which connect with their collectors. My works are presently available at the Knotty Threads Studio on Salt Spring Islands, The Autumn Brook Gallery on 4th ave, on selected dates at the Granville Island Public Market and periodically from the Federation of Canadian artists gallery.