I have Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry. I did my post- doctorate at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin, working on anti-anaphylactic drugs. I was a research fellow at La Trobe University working on anti-cancer drugs and then moved to CSIRO where I joined the applied polymer group. After CSIRO I joined Ansell as their Technical Manager in their Melaka Malysia plant. I was with Anslee for almost 20 years. I progressed up the corporate ladder and was first promoted to the position of R&D Director Medical group, R&D Medical and Consumer Group and then became the Senior Vice President of Science and Technology and Regulatory Affairs. I had 70 people working for in 4 different groups around the world and an annual budget of $14million. I was also Ansell’s expert witness in the area of glove manufacture with respect latex allergens. With Ansell I spent 10 years in Malaysia, 1 year in Sri Lanka and 3 years in America. On my return home I was given the position of Global Marketing for the Medical Group. After leaving Ansell I joined a company called Textor who manufacture non-woven fabrics for Kimberley Clark. I held the position of R&D manager where I was responsible for the development of new products and manufacturing support.
I was asked by a friend who had become the CEO of a start-up company (Polynovo) to set-up their manufacturing and support their R&D efforts in the area of bioresorbable/biodegradable tissue scaffolds. I spent a year and half with Polynovo and then I retired.
I started blacksmithing as a hobby over 18 years ago. I have worked with other media, such as papier mâché, clay and glass, but I find creating art out of steel using a hammer and anvil challenging and exciting.
I began my journey in blacksmithing by taking a beginner’s course with Oskar Huecherig at Mont Delancey and after the course I returned each Sunday to learn more. I am now skilled in both traditional and modern methods of blacksmithing but still have a lot to learn.
I belong to the Wandin Blacksmiths at Mont Delancey Homestead where we work each Sunday. Over the past ten years I have also been teaching basic blacksmithing.
I am a member of the Association of Sculptors of Victoria (ASV) and have been the ASV’s coordinator for the sculpture exhibition at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show for over 6 years.
I am also a member of the Victorian Artists Society and the Contemporary Artists Society.
I curate a small exhibition at Mont Delancey Homestead called Art on The Hill, which is held in September each year.
I have been fortunate to have been awarded prizes for my work.