I grew up on my parents’ farm in the lush green hills of the Strzelecki Ranges near Warragul, Gippsland. A wonderful environment with nature’s abundance on my doorstep, but the promise of further education drew me away to Melbourne, where I now live. My mother Karin Ryan conveyed a love of appreciating and creating art from a very early age.

I especially love the work of Gustav Klimt, and the detail of medieval tapestries and illuminated manuscripts. Several years into a career in research I have been drawn back to art; I find it a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend time. I love the intricate lines and fine patterns that can be created through etching and more recently I have begun hand-colouring my prints. I find it exciting that there are so many techniques and effects possible with etching and other media; I am looking forward to exploring some of these in the future.