the past few years i have undergone a deeper exploration on my sense of self more than ever before.

 

initially uncovering a 'label' for my point of difference (neurodivergent), and in the last weeks of my fiftieth year reclaiming my identity as a creative ... prompted by my word of the year 'shadow'. 

 

shadow work, rooted in the psychology of carl jung. is not just how it is mainly represented, embracing 'the darker aspects' of personality but also bringing to light hidden or repressed strengths. 

artist

a person expressing their ideas, emotions or narratives through the creation of art 

i have continually created and written from a young age. even though at the age of eight my mother told me "people like us don't become writers" whilst ripping up an illustrated story book that i had asked her to send to a publisher. and i gave up art studies as a teenager when my tutor told me that i needed to "pick up the pace" in order to have 'completed' pieces for an exam portfolio.

 

because for me, expression should not be restrained by arbitrary timelines. and what is completion? 'under the wave off kanagawa' by the japanese ukiyo-e artist hokusai, took decades of evolution from initial concept to the iconic image most recognise today. 

 

the decision to step into the life of a full time creative presented an ethical dilemma for me - how do i pay my bills and sustain myself whilst making original art that is accessible to all that it resonates with, rather than soley those that have a disposable income to afford it?

 

to ensure my work aligns with my personal values, the solution that i came up with is a prize draw system. as this method will give everyone an equal opportunity to own my collection pieces. 

 

if you want to learn more about me beyond being a creative, head over to the wellbeing and advocacy space that i have founded as a not-for-profit organisation for the neurodivergent community.