Art is my ‘therapy’ and I’m trying to make the best of some very difficult circumstances.

I’m a long term sufferer of a form of chronic pain called ‘Complex Regional Pain Syndrome’ – or CRPS for short. This affects both hands and arms, which in turn makes for a very manually (and mentally) challenging life. I also struggle with Complex-PTSD as well as severe anxiety and depression.

I’ve spent the last two years using art as a therapy tool for my mental health problems, following a useful link I discovered via Instagram. This has brought with it the tricky logistics around the use of practically every piece of art equipment, given the dexterity issues with my hands. Through trial and error I have found certain disability aids useful as well as tools that weren’t intended for the purpose of disability use, so I’ve been able to fully explore what I can, and cannot, use when conducting my ‘art therapy’.

When it comes to my art I’m now able to say what is and what isn’t within my ability, but on the flip side I have come to enjoy the mediums and genre of art that I like making, which is anything around the field of abstract geometrical art.

I applied to take part in the 2019 Parker Harris, ING Discerning Eye Exhibition, submitting 4 pieces of my work for consideration. All 4 were picked to go into the final exhibition where 3 of my works sold in a private viewing, which took place the night before the official opening, and my 4th sold within 24 minutes of the official exhibition starting.

This was my first and only exhibition to date.

Had it not have been for close family members I wouldn’t have had the confidence to have applied for this exhibition in the first place.

I hope you enjoy my work.