Salwa Woodroffe is of an Armenian origin, her family fled their homeland during the first world war. She spent some of her early life in the Middle East and Europe.  She finished her PhD in Medical Microbiology from England and worked as a University lecturer and researcher on the molecular and immunological aspects of microbial infection in New Zealand, USA and Australia.  She came with her husband to Australia in 1982.  Salwa is now a full time artist and is a member of Wollongong Traditional Art Soc., Kiama Art Soc., Oatley 101 Art Soc.  She has exhibited in major art shows and won many prizes including (twice) the best landscape painting in oil.  Salwa's paintings have been purchased by private collections in Australia and England and paints commissioned portraits.  She exhibits her painting in Beach Art, 269 Lawrence Hargrave Driv. Thirroul, NSW 2515 and Southerland ART Gallery, 685 princes Highway, Southerland, NSW 2232.