I could go on and on about how amazing creating art makes me feel every time I paint - and that’s all true, but I thought I’d really, really (really) let you in on who I am and what I'm all about, so here goes….

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Firstly, I’m a Gen X, which means I survived dial-up-internet, had big fuzzy hair, wore fluorescent leg warmers, and never quite became a fan of social media. That said, I've come to appreciate its one silver lining: the reminder that self-expression matters. That being truly yourself is where the magic happens.

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FUN FACT: As much as I don’t look middle eastern, both of my parents were born in Iran. The Middle Eastern blood runs strong, especially in my love for beauty, boldness and storytelling.

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I was that kid who never stopped drawing things like women, flowers, more women, more flowers. Ironically, those early sketches planted the seed for what would become my visual voice for exploring femininity, emotion and nature through art. There is this freedom in being able to express yourself on canvas and tell your story as your artwork comes to life.  Whether that be dabbling with acrylics, oils, pastels, inks, palette knife - its all about creative freedom.

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Now, while I still doubt myself as an artist at times, my love for it always outweighs those negative thoughts, where I think “to hell with it!”.

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At 18, I was a total ratbag and definitely in my rebellious years. I became the lead singer in a string of 80’s cover bands. I worked my ass off across Melbourne and country Victoria for 17 years. One night I thought I was killing it on stage when I fell off. No regrets here. Those were some of the best years of my life. 

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At 23, I lost my fiance Joe in an accident.  He was the most beautiful human being. That moment in life changed me where I felt I hardened - or so I thought.  Later I realised it was just a protective mechanism.

 

I started my career working at Qantas Airways - Melbourne Airport. I end up staying for 15 years. When you work in a place long enough, your colleagues become your family. I still get goosebumps whenever I'm at Melbourne Airport as I still have so much love for that place and the people. That job gave me my first real sense of purpose.

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I’m driven by justice, so it wasn’t a coincidence that I end up working in Human Resources. Over many years, I’ve witnessed the pure grit and perseverance of some of the most incredible women in the workplace. I’ve also watched them endure inequality at its worst. Much of my artwork is an expression of my views on that topic.

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I married in 2005 and divorced in 2007. I am lucky enough to have a fabulous ex-husband. We have two vivacious, witty, humorous daughters who are the sun and moon of my life.  

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Now, if you had of told me that I'd remarry, I would have said that I'd rather stick a fork in my eye. AND if you had of said that I’d marry a 6ft 5 Italian ex rugby player (when I’m 5ft) who is a decade younger than me, I would have said I’d have more chance of winning the lottery. Well life had other plans. We met 15 years ago. We share our beautiful home with the girls, two rescue animals - a manic staffy named Ollie, our smoochy cat named Shayla and 10 fish I lovingly refer to as "the “survivors”. There were 27. Let's just say I overestimated their ability to survive off insects and good vibes.

 

Oh, I've also got a super dry sense of humour. It's kind of my thing.

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Photography by Elena Tasso of Dream Catcher Photography