I love helping people find joy in life again

To find connection with themselves, the people they love, and the natural world around them. Creating can help us make sense of a challenging world, regain self-agency and confidence.

I am an artist and artistic therapist based in Wairau, Te Tau Ihu, Aotearoa.

I have a particular interest in working with the natural world, te taio, and exploring the deep interconnectedness of all things. My artistic work is driven by a desire to connect with and understand more deeply our native (and non-native) taonga that are our flora and fauna, and bringing their beauty and gifts to the awareness of others through the artistic process.

Predominantly using watercolour, charcoal, pencil, clay and print, over the past ten years I have been working on a collection of botanical, geometric and clay works, and am beginning to explore more deeply natural pigments - both plant and mineral, as well as hand made charcoal and use of naturally found clay. This is something I wish to explore more of.

Artistic Therapy

I am passionate about sharing the benefits of the artistic process for wellbeing.

I provide group therapeutic art sessions for residents at St Mark’s Addiction Residential Treatment Centre; and for the Cancer Society Marlborough and children and young people through Creative at Heart.

Qualifications

After completing a year-long certificate in the Art of Health at Taruna College in Hawkes Bay, I undertook  a substantial 3-year post graduate training as an Artistic Therapist at the Kairos School of Therapeutic Arts in Hastings, New Zealand, graduating in 2021.

I have recently completed an Expressive Arts Therapy Foundation Course with The Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute in 2025, and have a certificate in Sacred Geometry Teacher Training earned through The Art of Process in 2024.

I offer art classes, artistic therapy, and drum lessons for all ages.

  • “I feel happy and relaxed when I'm doing the art.”

    Participant in Art Wellness programmes in schools

  • Emma’s class is the highlight of our week. Using the creative process to help express emotions. And the therapeutic process to help bring balance in times of turmoil.

    Residents of St Marks Addiction Residential Treatment Centre

  • “I am so pleased about this art. It is good for my confidence”

    Participant in a therapeutic arts group at Women’s Refuge

  • “I feel great when I do the art group because I get to do art that I love. I didn't even know I could paint before I came here.”

    Participant in Art Wellness programmes in schools

  • “I recommend it because it takes out a lot of stress. It just relieves you and you forget about everything else.

    Student of the Hauora Arts Programme at Marlborough Girls College and the Southern Health School

Qualifications

  • Expressive Arts Therapy Foundation Course with The Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute (2025)

  • Certificate in The Sacred Geometry Foundations And Development - Teacher Training, Level One - The Art of Process (2024)

  • Post Graduate Qualification in Artistic Therapy through the Kairos School of Therapeutic Arts in Hastings, New Zealand (2021)

  • Certificate in the Art of Health from Taruna College in Hawkes Bay. 

  • Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from Auckland University (2000)

Recent Experience

  • Individual client work and group artistic therapy sessions - 2019 to present

  • Artistic Therapy at St Marks Addiction Residential Treatment Centre, Marlborough 2021 - present

  • Toi Ora - Art for Wellbeing at the Cancer Society Marlborough - 2023 to present

  • Artistic therapy for children (individuals and groups) for the Creative Kids Trust - 2019 to present

  • Therapeutic Art Sessions for Marlborough Women’s Refuge 2023

  • Art Classes and private tuition for adults and children  - 2018 to present

  • Music Teacher (drums) - 1995 to present (private tutor; Music Teacher at Gisborne Girls High School 2017)