Maike has a philosophy of conservation and preservation of natural habitats for our unique wildlife. Her art depicts nature and wildlife of the Australian landscape. She produces art using pyrography techniques on wood. Maike is also an accomplished watercolour artist.
She began her art career in publishing after completing the diploma of art and design in 1982. She has many published illustrations in children’s school books as well as commercial work for local industries.
Maike has exhibited watercolour paintings at Wattle Glen, and Diamond Creek East Primary school Artshow, Fruition Art Festival at Montsalvat 2008 and Breath Exhibition 2016. Exhibitions of Pyrography Artwok at Eltham Community Centre, at the annual Woodworkers Exhibition in November 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Since joining the Eltham and District Woodworkers Inc. in 2016 Maike has used the medium of pyrography to produce drawings in sepia on birch ply recycled wood. With the use of a super-heated pen texture of skin, fur , feather and foliage can be achieved.
Maike has discovered the joy of working in wood in both 2D and 3D form. With the use of a scroll saw, carving tools and sandpaper, the natural wood grain can be exposed and utilised, to add form and texture to her work.