About Me
Painting and being creative have always been part of my life. Since I can remember being a small child making skittles out of fizzy pop bottles. To sitting with the older kids at school and learning how they drew people playing football. At school Art was one of my strongest subjects. Upon leaving school I was steered towards being a graphic designer. I wanted to keep my options open so at Sixth Form College. I chose to re-sit my English language and Math G.C.S.E’s to obtain a higher grade, whilst studying a G.N.V.Q. (Adv) Art & Design course. Learning many aspects of art, design & creativity. As a part of this course I designed the Corporate Identity, branding or logo for “Crazy Beat Records” in Upminster, Essex. Although the sign has been replaced the design I come up with some 25yrs later. Standing the test of time, some might say. At 16yrs of age I also arranged for a local sign writer to manufacture and fit the sign. For the gentleman and his son who owned the shop at the time. The logo has been used in advertising as well in Blues and Soul magazine to mention. I gained a Merit grade on this course.
I didn’t fancy studying for a degree at this stage in life and Graphic Design was a well paid job to get into. So I went to study a H.N.D at Newham College of further Education. I wasn’t fully committed to this course in the way I only passed. Showing I didn’t get my teeth into it and enjoy it, but gained a pass all the same. Not knowing what to do next. I left my shop jobs, working in Mr Byrites, First Sport, House of Fraser and Sunglasses Hut Int. to name but a few. From 16yrs old, when I got my national insurance number. All the way through to when I started Temp work in warehouses & offices. Until I got a “proper job”. This was at Save & Prosper, part of Flemings investment bank. I was there a couple of years. In their call centre, engaging with clients regarding their investments. I got to learn on the job, but it wasn’t where my heart was being a creative person.
Upon moving to London, with my partner a pub manager. I left this position and a few that came after it. And in my mid twenties had a breakdown resulting in poor Mental Health. Rediscovering my love for Art. In a big way, having this outlet has helped me.
The relationship I had with the Pub Manager/ Partner collapsed and I found myself homeless in Ilford, Essex. Homeless at this time. I embarked on a Fine Art Degree course at U.E.L. ( University of East London). I gained a 2.1 not bad concidering. Learning more about myself than I realised. There were other going’s on with solicitors, relationship breakdowns and re-uniting with family after some time. Lots going on.
i find myself with my own home for the first time since leaving the family home. Happier in a relationship and good support from friends/ people around me. I’m still creating and producing this website to show my wares. Hoping to sell and obtain monies to keep my creativity going.