I was always interested in artistic pursuits and this was honed by a mother who was artistically gifted and nurturing of what I enjoyed to pursue. I travelled extensively in my youth, as my father was in the armed forces and regularly posted to often far flung northern areas of Pakistan. This ingrained in me a sense of wonder, a love of colour, atmosphere, culture, and most importantly of people I encountered in our postings. I was a shy child and loved to observe.