Medium: Acrylic on canvas

Dimensions: 18" x 14"

About the Artist

I am 55 and a person who never took art at school as was told at a young age that art is not my forte.

Role on 2020- a very difficult and lonely time for so many. I was in lockdown in Victoria and away from family and friends and knew no one except my husband. I decided to try painting to give me something to do during those endless hours in lockdown. I found I really enjoyed painting and it calmed my busy mind. So at the age of 53 I tried something new ... and love it!

One thing I found that when you reach out, artists are amazing and will encourage, support and willingly help in any way they can.

I paint what interests me at that time. I am still learning and appreciate everyone who looks at my work and offers suggestions and encouragement. 

About this piece

When I saw the ad Honour her on Facebook I wanted to be involved somehow. My mother died of ovarian cancer at the age of 59, way too young and scary for her family who had no idea what ovarian cancer was.

My beautiful Aunt is now going through her own journey with Vulval cancer and it is one hell of a fight. She is a fighter and an inspiration. She maintains her sense of humour and her quiet dignified strength. She was told at diagnosis that her prognosis was not good but she stated "let me decide on that". She is fighting every day for herself and her family and gets up even on those days she just wants to lay in bed. She continues to fight with her family right there beside her.

To me, my Aunt is the Magpie. I call the Magpie “The protector” as the are fierce defenders of their family, but they are so much more. They are misunderstood but they are determined, brave, courageous, cheeky, funny, clowns, nurturing, creative, loving and proud.

The magpie represents the women who have and those who are fighting gynaecological cancers. These women are our inspiration, they share their hope, their determination but mostly they share their courage and encourage each of us to face our fears and to do so with dignity and self-belief in our inner strength.