I grew up dreaming about being an illustrator, I still can't believe I spend my days drawing and painting!
Throughout my childhood I was always creating weird characters and drawing ladies in beautiful floral dresses. I felt at my happiest when I was lost in my imaginary world, it was pure escapism.
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Watercolours are my absolute favourite medium, and an oat latte is my top choice of drink. Scroll down for more facts about me.
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I'm a disabled artist - I was born with a super-rare genetic condition called Holt-Oram Syndrome.
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I'm missing various bones and muscles throughout my upper body, I don't have thumbs and I use my right hand (Big Hand) for everything. My left side is small, my wrist bones are fused and I don't have a ball and socket joint in my shoulder, so movement is very restricted on this side. My left hand (Little Hand) can't do a lot, but his pinky finger is very very strong!
As well as affecting my hands and arms, Holt-Oram also causes Congential Heart Disease and I've had a Pacemaker keeping my ticker going since I was 19.
My disability impacts every single area of my life, and I live in constant pain.​ The pain started when I was really young, and got worse over the years as I pushed my body to live as 'normal' a life as possible. ​​​The pain never goes, I haven't had a second without pain since I was tiny, and I've been on increasingly strong painkillers for a long time.
When I paint I escape from the pain a little (probably because I disassociate, who knows?!)
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I am obsessed with cats, I have three - Leo, Pansy and Buggie. They're all black and white and they're just so precious.
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I actually used to hate cats, like really hated them, and I have zero idea why.
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My favourite chocolate is dark with salted caramel, yuuummmmm. I used to be a total Cadbury's gal, but I've weaned myself off milk chocolate.
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Growing up, my first favourite illustrator was Cicely Mary Barker. I've been obsessed with flowers and fairies ever since.
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My first car was a Fiat Panda, I loved it! I now drive a Toyota Bz4X.
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I adore Taylor Swift.
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My boyfriend Chris and I have been together for ten years and we're getting married in the Autumn.
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I literally love being an art tutor, and adore my art students. Lessons aren’t just about teaching art, they’re full of laughter, making up songs, chatting about weird and wonderful stuff and sharing thoughts and feelings. Art lessons always make me so happy, I genuinely care so much for my students.
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My favourite island is Menorca, I grew up going there with my family every year.
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I was penpals with Nick Sharratt (Jacqueline Wilson's illustrator) throughout my teenage years and he's the kindest man ever.
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I get really stressed and upset if I don’t have enough alone time, I think I’m a super sensitive person and find people and noise really over stimulating and stressful.
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I love reading, but struggle to get into books initially - my brain’s always on everything else, but once I’m hooked I’m a proper bookworm.
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​ I had a hamster called Toffee when I was younger. He loved eating miniature cheese sandwiches, cream crackers, apple and grapes.
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