‘Fever’ (2022), 91.4cm x 121.9 cm / 36x48” acrylic on canvas, mixed media. (Tasmanian Oak Frame)

This painting is a very personal counterstrike against Covid-19, which invaded our family moments before we boarded the plane to visit relatives in Sydney. It was a day later that my test turned positive and even as I struggled with deep bone aches and feverish dreams, I knew I had to paint. The disappointment of dashed plans, the relief of getting this inevitable ordeal over with, the worry for my kids’ coming through it, the gratitude for vaccines and being able to quarantine in my own home – it all came through and left me feeling hopeful for the post-pandemic world we are moving towards.