What do you do for a living and what do you love about it?

Well, I’m retired! But I’m an artist, so most days I try to get into my studios. I have a painting studio and a printmaking studio, with a big printing press. I will work in one or the other, but I’m a painter firstly, and then that informs what I’ll take to the orienting press, which is how I operate. I’m a landscape painter mainly, but every now and then I’ll take a little holiday from landscape work and do a still-life or a floral arrangement, because I like flowers and my garden influences me.

Where is your favourite quiet place in Orange?

Down in the Ploughman’s wetlands. During COVID, it was the only place we could really go, so I’d head down there and walk around and sketch. At the time, my husband was sick so I used to pop him in the car and we’d take a thermos with tea and sit at the picnic table there. I’m inspired by the wetlands and I’m doing a series for a solo exhibition in the Hawkesbury in September and October, so I spend a lot of time there.

Can you describe your ultimate day out in Orange, with unlimited time and budget?

I love the Regional Art Gallery, but also the smaller independent galleries. I’d also take a walk through the botanical gardens and wander around because I’m inspired by the plants and the sculptures there. For dinner, I love Italian! So either Fiorini’s, Avido, Lucetta Dining, or La Milano.

Can you name your top three dinner party guests from any point in history?

If they don’t have to be notable people, I’d probably just choose our amazing group of friends. I always enjoy their company. We love to cook dinner and over the years we’ve had many great dinner parties, my husband and I, and we always loved entertaining. We built our house with entertaining in mind, so that’s what we love to do.

How long has Orange been your home and what brought you here?

I came here in 1973, as a newlywed. My husband and I had been travelling in Europe and living in England. We got engaged in London and returned here for his work, after we were married. We’ve been here 52 years, and built our lives together here, which shows in my art.

If you were running for mayor, what would your campaign slogan be?

I would never run for mayor! I’d never run for council in the first place, but I completely admire those who do. I’ve always loved volunteering, and once my husband became unwell, I became active with the Cancer Council, and Can Assist. I've also volunteered with Save the Children, Heart Foundation, and the Festival of Arts. I love working with these kinds of things, but I’d never run them!