I graduated from university in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in Photography. I have a rare condition affecting the central nervous system called Neurocardiogenic Presyncope, along with Autism, Epilepsy and other comorbidities. I was bed-bound and couldn't move or speak for a while when I was around 18. I take a tablet that literally pushes the blood round my body because I can't do it myself. It keeps me alive. It's only recently been licensed in the UK!
I used to own my own photography studio and was excelling in my career. But when I got too sick to work my lifestyle dramatically changed and I have had to adapt to a slower pace of life. I now use the energy I have to volunteer at a local organisation to help reduce waste, continue developing my on-going project and rest. I frequently use a wheelchair and cannot stand for long periods of time, but I've learnt my limits (mostly, I am extremely unpredictable!)
These 'interruptions' I have had to deal with in life have been the soul context around my art. I have had a constant desire to find how the 'self' truly functions and how our environment affects our behaviour within space and time.
My practice is a way for me to breathe; to be able to step back from my life which can get very hectic in my brain, and help me look at it from a spectator’s view and process it easier. I like that it gives others a chance to see how I see. It’s mindful and therapeutic – I get lost in it. I think it helps me understand myself and how I am feeling. I started the same line of work when I was just 13 (self-portraits, eyes) and only when I was around 23 did I start to realise why I am so intruiged by that – my health! And, after being diagnosed in 2019, my autism!
I learnt photography all on film in the darkroom. Using my sharp eye for detail, intense passion for change and 'out-of-the-box' creative way of seeing things, I believe I can make a difference to people's mindsets using Art and Nature.
I want to see the world thriving as we know it can. I will do all I can to help build a better future for my generation and all to come.
Round Tower, Hotwalls Portsmouth
Portsmouth Creates, Southsea
Autism Hampshire, online. View here.
Autism Hampshire, online.
Southampton City Art Gallery, Southampton
Margate, Kent
The Print Space Gallery, London
Solent University, Southampton
Source, online. View here
Spice Art Studios Gallery, Southampton
·Artist, Mother Tongue Collective 2020-present. Aiming to raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder through art
Magazine Editorial Panel Leader, Southampton City Council 2013. Editing and writing magazine content.
· Project Leader, Training Photography Course, Southampton City Council 2013. Training basics of photography to public.
· Smile Fest Manager 2013. Managed team of five to sell work in art fair to public
· Degree Course Representative 2010-2013. Representing student opinion in consultation with university staff.
· Website Management 2010-2013. Created and maintained own website and domain.
· Curating Manager, Marlands Show 2012. Prepared gallery space for student show.
· Book maker, ‘Untold Connections’ 2011. Curated student showcase book.
· Photography Technician 2009. Maintained darkroom standards, made lesson plans, taught students darkroom practice and invigilated A-level examinations.
· Invigilatior, Bargate Monument Gallery 2006. Invigilated exhibition, handed out leaflets to public and promoted gallery function.
Works questioning the theory of the 'self'
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