I started painting at University using acrylics but never really took to it and soon stopped with work commitments and a lack of free time. When I stopped working due to my endometriosis, I started to paint again taking inspiration from Frida Kahlo. I loved the message of pain so present in her work. It spoke to me on a deep level. I first started with watercolour. However, soon moved onto oils as I felt this had a more professional quality to it and the paintings are longer lasting. When I started chemotherapy I couldn't stand the smell and soon stopped using the oils, preferring to paint with water colour in my sketchbooks. I ended up destroying the half finished oil paintings after several months of them staring at me. I didn't want to keep being reminded of half finished projects. I have since taken up art classes, partly for the social aspect but also have seen vast improvement in my drawing, development of my style and painting ability.

Water is the element of emotion. In the Raider-Waite Tarot the water element is symbolised by Cups. A vessel. Like the jars of water I use for painting. They hold emotion, and energy.

Watercolour isn't an easy medium and has allowed me to develop certain skills like patience and acceptance. I have mixed my art practice and my zen meditations to amplify the peaceful mindset it creates within me.