Brookbanks (b.1948, Auckland) was a primary school teacher before attending Elam School of Fine Art, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Art in 1988. Brookbank’s reputation as a painter has evolved consistently since that time, with her work now held in public and private collections throughout New Zealand, including Te Papa Tongarewa, the Wallace Art Trust Collection and the Gibbs Collection. In addition to this, Brookbanks has received a number of awards and grants.