My Art Journey - Living with IBD
I grew up in Clydebank and have always been drawn to creativity. Over the years I studied at colleges in Glasgow and Dundee, explored jewellery making at Glasgow School of Art, trained in hairdressing, and worked in a variety of creative and technical roles. While each experience taught me something valuable, it was painting that truly felt like home.
Living with Crohn’s disease and chronic pain has brought challenges that are often invisible to others. There have been periods of exhaustion, limited mobility, hospital appointments, uncertainty and difficult days where even simple tasks felt overwhelming. During those darker times, painting became more than a creative outlet—it became a way to process emotions, find calm and reconnect with myself.
Memories, Places and Moments
Many of my paintings are inspired by Scotland’s landscapes, coastlines and changing skies, but beneath the layers of colour and texture are also stories of resilience, healing and hope. Each piece represents a moment, a memory or an emotion captured in paint.
Today, I create artwork that reflects both the beauty of the world around me and the journey that has shaped me. My hope is that each painting brings a sense of connection, reflection and joy to those who welcome it into their homes.
Photography plays an important role in my creative process. I often capture places, landscapes and fleeting moments during my travels around Scotland, preserving memories that might otherwise be forgotten. These photographs inspire paintings that seek to capture not just what I saw, but how it felt to be there.
The Creative Process Behind My Artwork
Painting helped me find light during difficult times. Today, every brushstroke tells a story of resilience, hope and connection.
No two paintings begin in exactly the same way. Sometimes I start by building layers of colour, texture and marks intuitively, allowing the painting to develop naturally before introducing more recognisable details inspired by a landscape or memory. Other times, the process is less about the destination and more about the journey itself, with expressive brushstrokes, movement and layered textures becoming the focus of the finished piece. By working intuitively and responding to each layer as it emerges, I create artwork that captures both the atmosphere of a place and the emotions connected to it.
Support My Art Journey - Join my print club
As a member, you’ll receive:
- A 5×7 art print
- An original ACEO 3.5in x 2.5in
- A monthly newsletter
- Early access to new artwork