I was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at the age of 21 after having psychological difficulties on my degree course. I have always had low self-esteem and anxiety and depression due to my struggles with fitting in with my peer group and being bullied at secondary school. I was previously involved with Centrepieces back in 2006 when it was based at the Crayford Centre. I participated in the spiral project at Pinewood House and took part in a group Centrepieces exhibition in December 2006 at the Polo/Draymans bar in Bexleyheath. Although I was unable to secure employment due to my difficulties I worked independently for many years from studio space in south London developing my own artistic style. I worked in an abstract manner using lots of colour and produced many pieces of work based on music in oils, acrylics and pastels.
Just before Covid I began living on my own however I suffered a mental breakdown in 2021 during Tier 5 lockdown and lost all motivation in painting. After a few health issues I rejoined Centrepieces in October 2024 as part of my recovery and have attended workshops in creative writing, acrylic pour, sculpture and wreath making and enjoy coming to the Craft Club. I find Centrepieces a friendly relaxed atmosphere and I enjoy mixing with other artists and as a result have been inspired to get back into my art again. I am now developing my own abstract style in acrylics and have produced several canvases in bright vibrant colours with themes of birds, animals, landscapes and music.