I'd always loved art as a child, and spent many happy hours painting and making things. As happens with so many of us, when adulthood and the world of work came along, art slowly faded in to the background.

In 2018, a cancer diagnosis forced me to take a break from work. Between chemotherapy sessions, I found myself drawing flowers in the garden, rediscovering a world of calm when I needed it most. I painted women with flowers for hair, and made artwork for my two young children. I found that art was a kind of therapy and a way to focus my mind on beauty and positivity in a difficult time.

Today, my work is inspired by the joy found in gardens, nature and life’s small pleasures. My paintings of women celebrate the peace and wellbeing found in the simple joy of being outside, while flowers represent hope, renewal and faith in the promise of brighter days ahead.

I work primarily in gouache on handmade paper, adding texture with oil pastels, pencil and ink. I also love collage and printmaking and exploring the endless creative possibilities.

Inspired by the difference art has made to my own sense of wellbeing, I’ve recently started leading art workshops, with an emphasis on slowing down and enjoying all the benefits of taking time out to be creative.

I hope my paintings and workshops encourage others to find a little bit more joy, calm and creativity for themselves.