‘Our Perth’ (2021), 76.2cm x 101.6cm acrylic on canvas, oil pastel, gloss.

This commissioned piece tells the story of a Canadian family of four whose lives were upended when they became stranded in Western Australia early in 2020. They had been on a travel adventure, sailing around Australia when Covid-19 hit. They decided to hunker down with their twin toddlers and wait out the pandemic in Perth. Little did they know it would be a two-year detour, or that Perth would turn out to be the safest place in the world. Despite the shock of derailed plans, the family embraced everything Perth has to offer: beach adventures, stunning sunsets, bush walking, exploring parks and playgrounds. They navigated a few obstacles in finding suitable homes, but thrived in the sunshine and the outdoor lifestyle, the warm welcome of WA’s people and the relative normalcy of zero-Covid life. Their little family grew even closer together and forged a handful of deeply meaningful friendships that will be treasured forever. This painting is their “ultimate souvenir” depicting an unforgettable time in their lives and was unveiled to them on the eve of their fifth wedding anniversary.