Rotary Club of Lindisfarne Talks - Carol Ann O'Connor

The daughter of coal miner, Carol Ann O'Connor was born in the small English village of Mancetter in Warwickshire.

She had a tough life growing up. Her father was rescued from a mine collapse, and after the Thatcher Government closed the coal mines he went into the business of manufacturing animal fodder, only for that industry to collapse due to the mad cow disease outbreak.

Carol married at age 16 and moved to Pilbara in Western Australia following her divorce at age 22.

As a child, Carol knew she would become an artist, and her obsession with drawing started as soon as she could hold a pencil.

Carol has counted among her admirers His Royal Highness Prince Phillip and Saudi billionaire His Royal Highness Abdul-Aziz Abdullah al Saud.

Her paintings usually sell for between $20,000 and $30,000.