Lately I’ve been exploring joy in the winter of our lives — a stage rarely shown with lightness or vitality. Ageing is often portrayed as frail or isolating, but the mindset we cultivate earlier shapes what later life can feel like. A friend recently sent me a video of Chris Martin playing All My Love for Dick Van Dyke, who turns 100 this December. He radiates pure joy — playful, witty, singing and dancing — exactly how I hope to be at his age.

I painted him as a reminder of what it looks like to live with a full heart. We’re all ageing, and while our bodies may change, we can choose where we place our attention. Letting go of grudges, judgement and fear makes more room for curiosity, play and connection.