For many decades my life revolved around people – listening, helping, advocating and caring. I spent more than thirty years volunteering within the court system and became deeply involved with a range of organisations supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, serving as an ambassador and contributing wherever I felt I could make a difference. These experiences brought immense meaning and purpose to my life.

In more recent years, life shifted dramatically when my partner suffered a severe brain aneurysm. The last decade brought a very different role – that of caregiver, advocate and companion. It was a journey filled with challenge, devotion and resilience. Like many carers, I found that while looking after others so much of myself was quietly put aside.

Above all, my first and greatest love has always been family. Michael and I have been fortunate to build a life surrounded by love – with our two married children and their partners, and six lively, beautiful grandchildren who bring endless energy, joy and colour to my world. Family has always been my anchor and remains at the centre of who I am.

Eventually I realised that somewhere beneath the responsibilities and routines, there was another part of me patiently waiting – my inner self asking for space, quiet and renewal.

Art became that place.

I attended the Victorian College of the Arts for approximately three years, studying painting in evening classes. I loved everything about it – the energy of the students, the stimulation of learning, and most of all the joy of painting itself. I was honoured to be accepted as a full-time student; however, when COVID arrived, that path unexpectedly paused.

When life gradually returned to a more normal rhythm, I continued my artistic journey through the Victorian Artists Society, where I have been fortunate to learn from an inspiring teacher and further develop my practice. I also completed three courses with L’Escalier, a French art school, through Zoom studies, which opened new perspectives and challenged me to keep growing and experimenting.

Painting gives me a freedom that is difficult to explain. When I paint, I enter another world entirely. I no longer feel confined by age, responsibility or expectation. Instead I feel like a young woman again – in my imagination I am wearing high heels, red of course, and a flowing red dress. There is movement, confidence and joy. In those moments I am completely happy.

I primarily work in oils and have developed a deep love of portraiture because faces hold endless stories. I am fascinated by expression, by what sits beneath the surface, and by the humanity we carry in our eyes. More recently I have also discovered a growing love for still life – finding beauty and quiet significance in ordinary objects.

I also enjoy working in watercolour, particularly while travelling, where its spontaneity and ease allow me to capture moments and impressions with freedom and simplicity.