I was born in 1963, an identical twin. My brother was called Mark. Sadly my brother died at 6 months old. I was an artistic child and loved drawing and painting. At 17 I got a place at Art College but was encouraged to take an apprenticeship at BT. Later in life I returned to art at night school and my tutor suggested I applied to university to study Fine Art. At this time I did not know it was an option as I had a full-time job. However I applied and got a place in 2006 at Derby University to study Fine Art part-time over 6 years. Having got a second chance to have an art career I grabbed it. I managed to work 37hrs a week and study - completing my part-time course ahead of time in 5 years. Whilst studying I applied for the Broomhill National Sculpture Prize and submitted my design and maquette for a sculpture. I was awarded one of ten commissions to produce my sculpture and exhibit at Broomhill. I was awarded joint 3rd prize in the public vote. The next year I was awarded the Derby Open Sculpture Prize and the year after that I was awarded the curated commission for Wirksworth Arts Festival. Then in 2011 I graduated with FINE ART BA(Hons) 2.1

This gives a bit of an insight on why I am so driven to pursue my artistic practice.