Elaine was raised in a family of Hornby Island pioneers who are devoutly Catholic, and her work emerges out of this colorful family history of early settlers, farmers, church and boat builders. Art allows Elaine to explore her connection to place and the Culture of Catholicism that surrounds her. Her desire to engage in a struggle for discovery, beyond the strictures of religion and family, has led Elaine to create satirical pieces full of wonder and whimsy. Her art is a reflection of nature's presence around her and Elaine's pieces wonderfully express her own particular humour and joie de vivre.