During 'careers day' my sights were set so well on a job as an artist.  But there was no information to be found.  Not a handy flyer to be had.  To this day I know that moment dulled my dreams, as well as the words of the wise in my circle encouraging me to pursue something that pays.  The truth is, I think at that time it was not so straightforward to find a way as an artist.

It took the death of my mother for me to realise that dreams need to be lived whilst we are still able to fulfil them.

My time at school gave me only a relative snippet of artistic style and medium experience, and I really had no idea where to begin.  I knew when I began painting again that I needed to explore and I was drawn to street art - and so I began with abstract, street-inspired pieces using acrylic.  A few years later, I now understand that this style of working was strongly linked to a lack of confidence in the same way that my focus on fantasy art at school was an avoidance tactic in exploring other genres.  I soon began exploring the human form and, being deeply connected with my own views on feminism, self-worth and body image I have been able to explore many areas of human emotion within my work.  

I have a real relationship with each person I paint - an ongoing connection whilst painting and even beyond.  I like to work spontaneously as much as possible; allowing the structure to form in its own way as my hand follows no set pattern.  I experience most joy from painting when expression flows naturally, and that's usually tied to things being imperfect.