I’ve always been inspired by the landscapes of the NSW South Coast, a place I have been visiting with my family since I was born.

Whenever I’m down there, I like to spend time going for walks. My favourite is the White Sands Walk which runs from Nelson Beach to Hyams Beach. Whether I’m in the ocean,  on the beach or in the National Park, I constantly scour the ground and tide lines, looking to nature to find inspiration for my designs, from interesting shadows to glistening seaweed fronds and other washed-up ocean treasures.

I’ve spent a lot of time on the beaches around Vincentia in Jervis Bay, a place known for its clear, cartoon-blue water and white sand. These beaches are home to some of my favourite colour gradients, like the kaleidoscopic jewel tones of the ocean, which, when set against bright sand, always remind me of the Australian gemstones I work with when paired with warm gold.

The designs in my Orion series—an evolving collection that I continue to add to over time—are inspired by my encounters on Orion beach. I recently finished a pair of earrings for this collection that uses green chrysoprase from Queensland to represent sea grapes and bubble seaweed and warm-coloured South Australian opals that reference the oranges and yellows of lichen clinging onto rocks. Then there are the Australian sapphires, which reflect the array of colours found in these native weeds both underwater and on the shore.

Every season brings beauty, with summer showing off the clearest water you’ll ever see. I love going out on the standup paddleboard at Orion beach at high tide. This beach is surrounded by towering gum trees (which provide the best shade during the Summer), and I have vivid memories of paddle boarding and looking back at the shore, where the water is the most magical green from the reflection of the trees above. To me, the wintertime is just as gorgeous, with the cool eucalypt air and early pink sunsets.

I feel such a strong connection to this part of the world. It’s a place where I can enjoy time with my family, find quiet contemplation and source inspiration for my work. If you look through my designs over the years, you might recognise the pieces inspired by this special part of the world.