Art and creativity has been around me for as long as I can remember; from the paintings in my parents house, to my early years of making art at school. I feel as though it has always been a part of my life, which no doubt sent me on a creative journey to where I am today, a full time artist and owner of a beautiful gallery and plant boutique.

I studied art at High School and Art History at University; travelled in my 20's like alot of young people and spent a memorable 6 months in Europe, visiting Art Museums and soaking up the rich History and Culture. 

A three month sailing journey eventually brought me to New Zealand in 1999 and my life as an adult really started in this beautiful country, I have called home now for over 20 years.

I work mainly Acrylics, and have for the past few years also dabbled in creative photography as I am forever inspired by my surroundings. We live in a beautiful part of the South Waikato, surrounded by farmland and clean rivers. In 2018 my partner Shane and I embarked on an exciting adventure and opened a gallery in Tirau. Deciduus and Santie specialises in Fine New Zealand Art and Indoor plants. We work with a small group of artists and I curate monthly exhibitions where we feature one of our artists each month.

I've been working professionally as a full time artist for over 10 years and my work can be found in a handful of galleries. I've been fortunate to do what I love and feel very blessed to have the opportunity to share my love of visual storytelling with visitors and clients throughout New Zealand and abroad. 

If you are passing through Tirau make sure to pop in and say hi. 

Santie