I am influenced by the beauty of nature that surrounds my home and inspire me to create intricate jewellery, printmaking and miniature painting.

All my works show a whimsical sense of humour which delights in giving everyday events a humourous twist. My abundant garden houses many of the little creatures that make their way into my artworks, with insects being of special interest.

I am an exhibiting member of the Australian Society of Miniature Art where I have won many awards. I am also represented in national and international collections.

Minky Grant Images

Leather is a noble material which becomes more beautiful with use. I enjoy handcrafting this material with its many individual characteristics and versatility - it can be wet-moulded, carved, braided knotted, painted, stamped etc. I use various leathers and suedes. Kangaroo leather is especially valued for its strength and lightness. This makes it ideal for the thonging which I hand cut and use in most of my designs.

I am interested in making custom-made shoes and am always exploring new ideas.

Although coming from Spain, where leather design has a long tradition, I began developing my skills in Sydney over 12 years ago. During this time I have attended classes and workshops in both countries as well as consulting many books and journals. Australia has developed a world reputation for braided and knotted leather because of the qualities of kangaroo leather and the outback way of life. I am a member of the Leatherworkers Guild of NSW and the Australian Plaiters and Whipmakers Association.

Gaspar del Rey Images

Several years ago a saw a demonstration of Pewter work and was so enthralled with what I saw, that I joined the class there and then and have been captivated ever since!

My current work with pewter is mainly Repousse, Chasing and Embossing; all time consuming and totally absorbing, yet very satisfying.

I studied overseas for five years; Pewter, Copper, Leather, Painting. In Australia I have studied Enamelling and Porcelain Painting.

Gwen Gibb Images

In 1991, I discovered the fascinating medium of wood engraving, a relief printmaking technique, where the image is engraved on to the end grain of, usually, English Boxwood, using fine steel pointed tools called gravers and scorpers. The block is then inked up using a roller, and the image is then transferred on to paper by putting it through the printing press. More recently I have explored other printmaking techniques such as etching, collagraphs and solar plates.

My prints are limited edition and numbered. Pam Stroem Hansen, handcolours my prints.

Yngvar Stroem Hansen Images

Leatherwork has been a passion of mine for the past 30 years. Spending many hours working with this natural product is deeply satisfying. I take great pleasure in producing fine leather belts from the highest quality materials available.

A big shift occurred in my leather crafting in 1998 when I was asked to repair a plaited leather belt bought approximately 25 years earlier in South America. It was impossible to repair the belt due to it's unique method of construction and fragility. I then endeavoured to reproduce the same belt and, over a period of about six weeks, finally worked out the intricate method of crafting this particular leather item and have persevered since that time in perfecting it.

Originally I attended leatherwork classes at Adamstown Craft Centre in Newcastle, N.S.W., where the traditional skills of carving, stamping and lacing were learned. This allowed me to make various leather articles including handbags, wallets and belts.

Geoff Davis Images