Frightened Mice (2013) Painting by Gifts From The House Of Whimsy

The works in this gallery are a sample of the past few years. Before that, I haven't kept photographic records. As may be obvious, I wear a few different hats! One of my first creative passions was the theatre & dance. I love costume & have learnt shoemaking (the only official course I've completed) I am otherwise self-taught, although I read a lot. I've designed sets, posters, logos & album covers. There's not many mediums I haven't explored- painting, sculpture (Mmmm clay, yum), furniture, building structures & landscape design (Permaculture principles) Although I can DO Art, my creative juices are more often engaged in designing practical solutions for our poorly (unconsciously) designed modern lifestyles.
I question everything I see, I want to know "what is it, how does it work, what is it made out of, how was it made, how else can it be used?' Naturally occurring designs I apply to functional objects, which makes them appear whimsical, but to me is logical.
That I take inspiration from nature is obvious. Perfect design is everywhere in the natural world. Efficiency, physics, the patterns of flow & direction of force create the forms on earth. We shouldn't need to re-invent the wheel, only be better students of the master Designer.

• Nationality: AUSTRALIA
• Date of birth : 1964
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary Australian Artists