Well now, with her unfailing enthusiasm for creativity, Joy has turned to oil painting and has also written and illustrated another book, 'Follow the winding path' - both of which will be on exhibition from the end of this month at the Matilda Street Gallery.

"My first loves are without a doubt nature and people, particularly my grandchildren, who delight me with their complete openness and are irresistible to draw," Joy said.

"They were the inspiration for this book and the paintings in it, which emphasise the endlessly beautiful elements in nature, that are all there to enjoy when you slow down.

"When you really open your eyes, your world explodes."

She describes how, while walking in the bush, you might notice a tree and you look closer and see the orchids on the tree ... and then you see the entire tree is flowering - and "lit up like a candle".

Closer examination shows you "a tawny frogmouth building its nest ... and cicada shells alight with the sun".

"And you can walk past and not notice any of it.

"My aim is to switch kids out of this electronic age and onto the natural beauty outside ... to encourage them to stop, to look, to listen and to feel ... and discover all sorts of new things."

The exhibition, which will also include a small selection of water colours, portraits and works on the theme of 'Man in his Environment' opens on Saturday, September 26 for four weeks at the Matilda Street Gallery (opening hours are 9am-5pm on weekdays and until noon on Saturday).

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