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I was born in the 1970's to a mining family in rural Leicestershire.  I am the eldest of three children. I was quite small growing up as I inherited multiple exostoses which means that I have extra growths of bone, so I've had disabilities all my life.

 

I did manage to find employment in various places but had to give it up because of the extreme pain I was in.

 

The main influence on me regarding painting is Van Gogh.  Paul Dexter, Jean Scott, Lydia Billington and other members of Albert Street Artists in Loughborough and all the Groby Disabled Painting Group have all inspired me.

 

I went to Groby Community College where I did GSE in art. I also had watercolour lessons there in the evening.

 

I went to Peckleton Art Club till 2007 but had to give it up for personal reasons.

 

I then found The Groby Disabled Oil Painting Group. I was there for 4.5 years where Rene helped me a lot with oil painting. Unfortunately, the Grouped ended in 2014.

 

I was referred by a support worker from the Crisis team to join Albert Street Artists where I've done my own thing: learning as I go along. Since joining Albert Street Artists, I have also been joining WEA classes every year since 2010  

 

My philosophy in art is just to look learn and play with paint.

 

My art techniques are mostly traditional ones: really light to dark and lots of observation and colour mixing.

 

My main goal as an artist is to develop more of a style and become a professional artist

 

I think I have found my vocation in life as being an artist.