My Connection Statement

I help women over 55 who would like to preserve precious elements of a young family member’s childhood, to capture memories with painted portraits of children.

My Expertise

Art

• Studio painting, outdoor painting and drawing
• Skilled in looking at the work of beginner artists to spot compositional problems
• Planning exhibitions and art events

Clerical

• Skilled in proof-reading and editing
• Written expression
• Knowledge and spelling of medical terminology

Website/IT skills

• Website maintenance in WordPress (not coding)
• Writing and formatting – blogs, emails

My Passions

Art

Painting and drawing have been long-time loves for me, almost like companions in my life. Art has given me solace during difficult times like divorce and family separation. It has also provided joy and learning during times of ease and creative flow. A very real impact on my life in a solo sense. But art offers more than that. I believe it can be a positive boost to our loving connectedness, especially when it resonates with our shared personal experiences. Over time my paintings of people have drawn huge engagement. People are curious about people in paintings! And even more curious about people they know. My business will build on that, through painted portraits of children, connecting families and building legacies.

Family and friends

I believe that life’s greatest gifts are those moments of connection with other people. Family and friends are at the front line of this connection for me. Similarly, shared understandings and experiences which transcend cultural barriers can be fleeting but precious. Overseas travel continues to refresh my awareness of our shared humanity and I welcome those opportunities as they arise at home too, often with complete strangers in everyday settings.

Women and girls

As a member of Soroptomist International I am passionate about helping women and girls locally and internationally lead better lives. I have been so fortunate in my life not to suffer serious poverty or deprivation, disruption or violence and it feels time to contribute positively to society by volunteering through the group of women in SI.

My Interests

Art

• Outdoor painting on the beach, in parks or in suburban areas
• Cafe painting
• Visiting galleries

Puzzles

• Sudoku
• Cryptic crosswords with an L-Plate

Sport and Leisure

• Social tennis
• Swimming
• Cooking for special occasions
• Reading (when I am gripped early on)
• Travel, especially with my painting kit

How I Can Help Other Members

• Proof-reading written passages on- or off-line. My eagle eye often spots typos in other people’s work. I need fresh eyes to see mine of course!
• Possibly advice about art in some form; knowledge of colour or composition.
• I am sure more opportunities will become clear as I settle in!

Why I Became a HerBusiness Member

For many years I have been enjoying free webinars run by the HerBusiness Network. The energy and enthusiasm of presenters has been contagious. The business topics discussed have been pertinent and helpful.

The most recent series on Getting More Clients revealed why my business was at a standstill despite my continuing “busy-ness”. The opportunity to become a member was too good to pass up and I felt that I didn’t have to be perfect to join.

I was attracted by the breadth and depth of the resources offered within the network and the fact that it is run primarily by women, for women.

The potential for referrals was enticing and although my existing networks are not large or diverse, I feel there will be ways for me to contribute as well.

My Member to Member Offer(s)

I have no particular Member to Member Offer at the moment, but feel this might be of a proof-reading nature as I become known and trusted.