Ann Marie Shea was born and raised in Sydney. Mainly a self-taught artist, painting has been a passion of hers since a young age. She enjoys exploring the mediums of watercolour, acrylic, and oil. "The world around me influences what I choose to paint. I love the challenge of trying to put on a canvas what I see in my head and feel in my heart. People, animals, and moments of life that affect me emotionally eventually find their way to my canvas. I never have to wander far on Cape Breton Island to find inspiration for new creations.