I have suffered with depression since secondary school. This has been punctuated with periods of real breakdown, which have included suicidal feelings. During my last breakdown I was given individual counselling, following this it was suggested I try art therapy. At first I was dubious, as I had been told at secondary school that I was crap at art. I did however give it a go and am eternally glad I did. I now use my art as both means to express my feelings and as a way to relax. The more modern movements such as pop art and abstraction influence my art. I have also developed an enthusiasm for photography and am an active member of Centrepieces photography group.