I grew up on the island of Stronsay and was just one in the population of 350 that loved the wild weather. Being exposed to the elements, I learned to plant my feet solid on the ground and look up and out.

There among the other 9 pupils in my class, I became absorbed with releasing my observations onto paper for art class. My favourite hour of the week was when the art teacher walked off the eight seater plane, crossed the grassy airstrip, and handed me my paintbrush.

Art became my creative and emotional outlet through and through. It brought me joy and coloured my future.

My life now is on the Orkney Mainland, shared with my husband, three children, in-laws, two cats, dog and my art!! Art supports me through the wild moments of island and family life.