When did you start creating art?
I started very young. I was mad about horses, but unfortunately, I couldn’t have one. So I created my own world, drawing horses, even designing stables and outfits.
I went to art college for three years for graphic design and then also did a masters in illustration. However, after leaving college I found that illustration wasn’t for me, so I decided to switch to art, showing at galleries, selling art pieces and finally teaching art.
I also have synaesthesia, a perceptual phenomenon which causes sensory crossover, such as tasting colours or feeling sounds and this influenced an early obsession with colour.
What art forms do you practise?
I use a variety of media when creating art, primarily printmaking and painting. I often like to focus upon industrial buildings and landscapes, places that people wouldn’t typically consider beautiful or a subject of art.
Which artists inspire you?
I find landscape artists very inspiring. An early influence was the American artist, Edward Hopper, whose city and industrial work I admire. Another artist is German artist Gerd Winner who made screen prints of buildings, roads and urban scenes, and Bernd and Hiller Becher, a couple who photographed disappearing industrial architecture in Europe and North America.
How did you fundraise for West Sussex Mind?
We fundraised through an art gallery in Worthing, Colonnade House. I exhibited my own work, as well as the work of my students. Ten per cent of any art sales went directly to West Sussex Mind. We also did a festive quiz to support West Sussex Mind, which we do each year for a different charity.
What motivated you to hold an exhibition?
I wanted to fundraise for something mental health-related and for a local charity supporting people in West Sussex, so I chose West Sussex Mind. I had previously volunteered for a local Mind in the North-East years ago, so I was aware of the work that local Mind charities do. I was pleasantly surprised at the wide range of services that West Sussex Mind provides - it was really great to see.
As an art teacher, I decided to stage an exhibition as a good way to build confidence in my students and demonstrate to them that the work is good enough to go on a gallery wall. It enabled me and my students to exhibit our artwork for people to see and buy – and being able to fundraise too was fantastic.
Who was involved in the exhibition?
Many of my students joined me for the art exhibition and quiz. Most of my them come from West Sussex, but some come from as far afield as the Isle of Wight and even Canada. It was great to see so many of my students getting involved to help a great cause and show their art to the public.
What is your experience of mental health issues?
I’ve had my own personal experience of mental health issues and people close to me have had their own experiences too. My first experience of mental health issues was in my twenties: after finishing college I felt lost and went through a mental health crisis.
Talking therapy was a great help to me; through seeing a great counsellor long-term I was able to get back on my feet. This experience, and the experience of others, has made me very passionate about support for people with mental health difficulties. These personal experiences, as well as those close to me, played a large role in my decision to choose to support West Sussex Mind.
Does art help you manage your mental health?
Yes, art plays a large role in helping me manage and maintain my mental health. When I go into my art studio, time passes quickly and I get lost in my work. It’s also a great outlet for creativity and to express myself.
