Art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I watched my mother and elder brother create, setting a benchmark that inspired me to pick up a pencil at an early age. By the time I was seven, I was already drawing well, but it wasn’t until my teenage years that I truly connected with the process and found my voice in art.

In my youth, life presented me with an unexpected challenge: a cancer diagnosis. After nearly a year of treatment, I returned to school, more determined than ever. My time at Gateway College in Leicester became a turning point. Surrounded by inspirational tutors, I refined my skills and discovered new ways of thinking about art.

Initially, I dreamt of becoming a fighter pilot in the R.A.F., but those aspirations came to a halt when I failed the medical screening due to the lasting effects of my illness. That moment was pivotal. Rather than let it defeat me, I channelled my energy into my true passion—art. I enrolled in a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, where I graduated with Distinctions in every module. It was then I realized my path was to become an artist.

I went on to study Fine Art: Painting at the University of Arts, London, an experience that enriched my perspective. My studies also took me to China, where I immersed myself in a new culture and artistic landscape. Yet, like many young graduates, I returned home to the weight of student debt. To make ends meet, I took a role in a marketing firm in Leicester, where I spent six years growing professionally and personally.

But the pull of art never left me. With a renewed sense of purpose and the stability to support my dream, I made the leap to pursue a full-time career as an artist. Today, my work is deeply rooted in the resilience, growth, and inspiration I’ve drawn from my journey—a testament to the idea that creativity can thrive even in the face of life’s greatest challenges.