I live in a tiny village in Leicestershire with my husband and three kids, surrounded by our ever increasing menagerie of animals, including chickens, ducks, guinea fowl and my dogs Digby and Bilbo, my faithful companions and business partners!
IN THE BEGINNING…
I’ve been passionate about drawing from a very young age. I was never happier than when I had a pencil or crayon in my hand and, during my school days, just used to live for my art lessons. I was extremely lucky to have the most wonderful, patient art teacher who could see how much I enjoyed drawing. She encouraged me and nurtured my enthusiasm, and even gave me her drawing board when she retired. I have her to thank for believing in me and teaching me that anything is possible.
On leaving school I had no clue of what to do with my future. My poor father persuaded me to apply for a Btec Business studies course at Loughborough Technical College and I was packed off to live with my grandparents.
As I stood in the courtyard with the technical college on one side and the art college on the other, I suddenly realised that I was going through the wrong door. I immediately rushed around to Reception and asked how I could get a place at the art college. I was given a prospectus and told I should do a foundation course. I then spent night after night putting my portfolio together. I handed my application in and was invited for interview. This was one of the most terrifying days of my life. I wanted this so badly and the panel of tutors interviewing me had my future in their hands.