I was born and raised on the Caribbean island of Trinidad, where my family has lived for generations. In 1976 I married my husband, and ten years later we made the decision to immigrate to Perth, Western Australia, with our four young children. Shortly after arriving we discovered number five was on the way - a memorable beginning to our Australian adventure.

Life was wonderfully full. Between raising five children, working full-time and running a busy household, there wasn't much spare time. Even so, I always found creative outlets, from mosaics and dressmaking to jewellery making and other craft projects.

Painting was always something I wanted to do, but I was determined not to simply "have a go". I wanted to learn properly.

That opportunity finally came in 2020 when, following a major health scare, my husband surprised me with art lessons for Christmas. Those lessons introduced me to oil painting, and I quickly discovered a passion that has become one of the great joys of my retirement.

Today I paint from my home in Perth under the guidance of artist Jana Vodesil. My work is inspired by Western Australia's coastlines, landscapes and skies, along with family moments and places that hold special memories.

Many of my paintings now hang in the homes of family, friends and collectors, and I continue to enjoy accepting commissions that celebrate places and people with special meaning.