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How was it coming "home" to Melbourne after 5 years away? What's changed / how have you found it?

"It's been a dream to come back and experience life here again. I am lucky to have a group of friends here who are like family, so it was easy to come back and fit back in again. I've realised my heart will always be split down the middle with half in Ireland and half in Australia. 

I haven't found things have changed too much apart from some new roads and high-rises!" 

What does a typical day look like in your studio?

"I have a diligent studio practice which I think is important. My studio is walking distance from my house so I walk into town every morning with my dog Maisy, after doing school drop off with my daughter first.

I usually have a few paintings on rotation so I'll start painting straight away. Having the puppy for company is a good reason to take regular breaks and go outside and get some air.

I paint until school pick up (2.40pm) and we walk home after that. If I need a longer work day I'll bring my daughter back to the studio after school and she works alongside me. 

My kids love being in the studio because there are boxes of craft supplies, paper, glue and paint so there is always something to keep them busy." 

Tell us one fun fact about you?

"As a teenager I played drums in an all girl rock band called "The Wonderbraz". All our friends were in bands too so every weekend was spent going to gigs or playing gigs/practicing. It was a great way to get into the pub with no ID!"

What is it about being an artist that is so appealing to you?

"For me it's the feeling of creating something new. There is a sense of satisfaction when I finish a painting that is hard to describe but is addictive. It's the best job I've ever had and I have to pinch myself sometimes that I get to do this as a career." 

Your current exhibition 'The Long Way Home' is incredible, 25 paintings of Irish countryside and buildings. What's next for your arts practice once you go back to Ireland?

"I've been working on small scale palette knife sketches of Irish landscapes. Using only a palette knife is a great exercise to loosen the composition and focus on colour and application.

I've also decided this is the year I try plein air. I've always loved the comfort of working from my reference images in the studio but I want to challenge myself and get out into the countryside and paint in situ."