Born in the serene coastal town of Barton-on-Sea, Hampshire in 1959, my life began with a cross-continental adventure that would shape my artistic journey. At the tender age of five, I embarked on a DC3 plane bound for New Zealand, a journey that sparked the early flicker of my passion for art. My fascination was evident even then; as I sketched on the plane, the stewardesses, intrigued by my young talent, took notice.

My father, Tom Bradley, a proofreader at The Timaru Herald, played a pivotal role in nurturing my creativity. His late-night returns, marked by the clatter of his keys and the rustle of blank newsprint, became the highlight of my childhood. I would eagerly anticipate his arrival, unrolling the pristine paper with a sense of wonder and excitement. Saturday mornings were a cherished ritual where I would transform the kitchen table into my personal art studio, while my brothers busied themselves with outdoor tasks.

Despite my enthusiasm, Timaru Boys High School proved a challenge. The absence of an art program left me yearning for creative outlets. However, I found an unexpected mentor in Art History Teacher and Artist Paul Vandenberg. Though he taught Art History, he encouraged me to pursue practical art assignments, resulting in a high mark that, while impressive, did land him in hot water with the school.

In 7th form, my artistic aspirations found a new avenue when I was able to attend the Fine Arts Prelim course at Timaru Girls High School. My efforts culminated in an exceptional achievement: the highest marks in the country, securing my place at both the University of Canterbury and Canterbury Polytechnic. I chose the University of Canterbury, then a newly built institution, and began my journey in Fine Arts.

However, only three or so months in, fate took a dramatic turn when a severe seizure, caused by Epilepsy, led to a fall down the stairs. This incident forced me to leave the university, much to the dismay of my professor, who encouraged me to return. Despite his encouragement, I never made it back.

Returning to Timaru, I pivoted to clerical work at the Labour Department, where I brightened the office with whimsical cartoons. A brief stint at Ballantyne’s Menswear followed, where I sketched passersby to attract customers into the store. My career then took me through various newspapers and publishers, including The Timaru Herald, Christchurch Press, and Pope Print, where I worked as an Illustrator.

A redundancy at Pope Print opened a new chapter in my life: I established a home office, venturing into Graphic Design and continuing Illustration while starting a family. This transition allowed me to collaborate with local businesses and international publications. Concurrently, I taught Photoshop and Desktop Publishing at Cantec in the Government Life Building and tutored Cartoon Illustration through correspondence with the New Zealand Institute of Business Studies.

In the early 2000s, I had a studio at the Timaru Railway Station until family responsibilities as a single parent necessitated another move home. While health issues led to a dip in my artistic output, my passion for art remains undiminished. As I look forward to creating new work, my focus is on leaving a legacy for my four wonderful children and burgeoning beautiful grandchildren – proof that creativity endures, even in the face of life’s challenges.