My Story
Growing up in New Zealand my passion was ballet from a very young age. I should really say dance as I also did Irish, Scottish and modern dance, but Ballet quickly took over, and from the age of 5 to 34 it was my life. I not only loved the pretty and elaborate costumes we got to wear, the performing and the endless pursuit of perfection and precision, but also the lifestyle of being around theatres, live music and travelling. I was fortunate to have a rewarding career, first with The Royal New Zealand Ballet, then The Australian Ballet and finally Birmingham Royal Ballet. The latter as a principal ballerina, where I was often partnered by my husband, Matthew Lawrence (currently Ballet Master with Queensland Ballet).
While living in the UK we travelled to Europe, America and Asia for both work and pleasure. Seeing the architecture of these older nations was inspiring to say the least. We would visit the old stately homes in England and see the beautiful theatres where every turn you took you saw beauty. The craftsmanship of the old buildings, homes and interiors, the intricate details that were desired and abundant were just incredible to see.
ACT 2 Swan Lake- Odette
Birmingham Royal Ballet-Sir Peter Wright’s production of Swan Lake
So when one decides to leave ballet, it’s a life you’re leaving, not just the stage. A quote that resonates with me is one from Martha Graham,
“A dancer dies twice- once when they stop dancing and this first death is the more painful”
After leaving the stage, I was fortunate to leave for much bigger things; raising our children. But my love of all things beautiful has not wavered and my pursuit of perfection is ingrained in all I do.
My first upcycle project
Wondering where my next journey in life would take me while pregnant with my first child, I decided to pursue my other passion - homes and interiors.
I completed a diploma in Interior Design with The Interior Design Institute London. But with the whirlwind that parenthood is, I didn’t pursue this further. And then, one day when walking to school with my daughter, I passed a piece of solid furniture on the footpath. I couldn’t fathom that this would end up in landfill. So, with my husband, we carried it home and I created my first upcycled piece of furniture.
Being creative again, combining art through colour, design and creative thinking, with interesting yet discarded pieces of furniture, has been food for the soul. Seeing the transformation of the finished product brings a great sense of achievement - all in the knowledge that I have created something beautiful out of destined landfill. And so,
I have found a new passion.
I may have changed my tools from pointe shoes to a paintbrush. And no longer have an orchestra playing live music (now a phone). Still, I feel that being creative, whether in the studio, on stage, or in the garage, is for me, about creating beauty!
xx