In the artist's own words: "It wasn’t that long ago that a painting of someone disabled would never be painted like this, let alone hung.’ These were Lisa McManus’s words when she first saw the portrait of herself. Meeting Lisa and painting her was an extraordinary joy. She has such dynamic energy about her, but also a great dignity and strength. Fifty-eight years ago when Lisa McManus was born the midwife assisting the birth fled the delivery room, horrified by the tiny baby with severely malformed arms. This disability was due to thalidomide, a drug that was prescribed to women in the late 50’s and early 60’s, more commonly for morning sickness. Lisa’s mother only took two tablets, but it was enough to impact Lisa’s life forever. Lisa was conceived seven months after the government was alerted to the problems associated with thalidomide. And advice to issue public warnings were ignored. Lisa has been campaigning tirelessly for justice for the thalidomide survivors and their families. Her efforts have culminated in a Senate inquiry to investigate the government's response to thalidomide survivors. And she’s still fighting for the rights of others like herself. Lisa’s strength and determination is a true inspiration."