My story

I have been an artist since kindergarten. I was ‘the class artist’ since primary school and spent much of my secondary schooling drawing portraits of her classmates, teachers and horses. My paternal grandparents were Melville and Yvonne Haysom, both influential and award-winning artists during mid-20th century Brisbane. My maternal grandparents, Russian refugees from Harbin, Manchuria, were resourceful and expert artisans and craftspeople. My father was a noted marine biologist and author, Noel Haysom, and Mum taught me to be an skilled sewer and maker. I could not avoid becoming immersed in art and craft making influenced by both sides of my family. 

I qualified as a Secondary Home Economics/Economics teacher in 1977. After teaching in rural Queensland for four years, my husband and I were transferred to Mornington Island, a remote Aboriginal community in the Gulf of Carpentaria, far northern Australia, followed by other postings to Aurukun and Yarrabah Aboriginal communities. So began my Indigenous cross-cultural education and lifelong professional and personal association with Indigenous people. I have taught in metropolitan, provincial, coastal and remote locations and facilitated Instructional Skills for Indigenous groups for TAFE (Technical and Further Education).

My professional art career began when I illustrated my German teacher’s textbook in 1973 at age fifteen. In 1983 Education Department seconded me to produce Home Economics and ESL literacy resources for the Indigenous Unit. A recommendation from Education Queensland to Queensland Health opened a new opportunity to produce illustrations aimed at educating Indigenous people for healthy lifestyle choices.

As a freelance illustrator, I provide works for government departments, private organisations and individuals in Australia and internationally. My services are sought for my ability to educate and communicate complex issues, often with applications for low literacy, Indigenous and multicultural clients. My intention is to create appealing and identifiable characters and locales, using subtle humour to enhance the message. I communicate effectively and professionally by remote means and am flexible when required. 

As a fine artist, I have exhibited in major art galleries and held and participated in various exhibitions both solo and with other artists, including First Nations collaborations. I have won several art awards and commendations and am represented in private and public collections in Australia and overseas. 

No longer a permanent teacher, I juggle life as an artist, illustrator, parent, grandparent, temporary teacher for Education Queensland, and facilitator of art workshops for teachers, children and other sections of the community. I live in Far North Queensland, close to my family and surrounded by the verdant beauty of a biodiverse and inspirational tropical environment.