It actually took me a full year to walk again and because of the accident I can`t ride several horses a day anymore due to nerve damage, my career was over- I was more heartbroken than I have ever been, I still have a heavy heart when I speak about it and anyone who knows me, knows I`m super passionate about horses.

During my recovery I started sketching horses, We have a joke with the doctors that I must have hit my head in the right place because I had a lot of swelling even though I was wearing a helmet.

At first, I would definitely say the best way I could describe my work was to show the spirit, energy and power of the horse whilst trying to be structurally and artistically correct. I`m a few more years on from that now so I`ve developed into storytelling.


What does your work aim to say?
I like to paint with lots of feeling, a lot of people tell me they are moved by the energy from a piece that`s what I`m striving for. I like to display this through the power of my brush stroke movements and the interesting textures I use. When I create commissions for people- yes the overall look is most important but the key thing the piece has to do, is to spark the soul of the animal and I`m so proud I`ve been able to translate this into the paint. I think my career as a rider as definitely influenced my art.

My work aims to show the connection and emotion we have to the world around us, I think as an artist in the modern world, it`s my duty to help highlight the issues we have around us. I`m currently working on a new secret project with my business mentor, where I will be using my artwork to help highlight issues with pollution whilst raising money for charity, You`ll have to stay tuned for that.

How have you developed your career? ...
With a lot of tears, tantrums and hard work, for very little in the beginning, I gave up a lot to push my artwork. After I had my accident, I had my own equestrian centre in Lancashire which I had painstakingly restored over 2 years. One day I was sat in the field facing the lake and I just knew I had to leave, as I wanted to further develop my art career.

As I wanted to focus on my artwork, I offered the management of the equestrian centre to one of the liveries, I burst out crying.. she thought I was mad wanting to give it up but I wasn`t giving it up, I was passing it over and moving on to the next chapter.

I packed up and decided to move to London, no clue what I was doing at the time but I now live in the centre and I love every moment of it. London is the place to be as an artist. These busy, bustling streets are super inspiring. I am also on the prince`s trust enterprise programme, which is basically an amazing career booster. You have to apply then go for interviews and do a business plan with a first phase mentor, then if you get past panel you are given a business mentor for 2 years. My mentor Kay is like my `business mum` - she keeps me track, pushes my beliefs and helps me stay focused.

The reality is, it`s very tough being an artist, I work 7 days a week, I`m always here and switched one and starting out was super hard but once you tip past the turning point in your career the rewards are amazing. It`s not just the money, you`re leaving a legacy behind and your also making a lot of people happy.


How do you seek out opportunities?
I`m the type of person who sees a gallery, loves it, walks in and asks if they want to hang my work. you have to have your brave pants on- So many times I`ve been told no, and in lots of different opportunities too but it doesn`t bother me. I think we horse riders are a tough breed, we are used to criticism. This isn`t a reflection of my worth it`s just a no, a no today can be yes tomorrow, I didn`t lose anything so I just trot on! Pun intended.

I constantly write out my goals and take small steps to achieve them. Whilst I`m doing this, opportunities come naturally. For example, the newly refurbished cafe in Aintree equestrian centre sought me out, the amazing manager there loved my work and searched for weeks to find me and that`s how my collection work has a place there. It`s amazing to see my work on every wall.



I think word of mouth definitely helps and my clients are amazing at recommending me. I`m lucky to have grown an international client base, that`s the beauty of the Internet.

I also read a lot of art books and documentaries, I`m always learning how the `art world` works. This has lead to me applying for residences and competitions and then this naturally brings other opportunities with it. Currently, I`m through the first round of the Ashurst art prize and one with the Mall Galleries.

The key to being successful in almost any career is to be relentless in your work ethic and to put in the hours. You should consistently learning along away, otherwise, the hours you put in won`t help you to evolve. Push boundaries, work hard and be brave.







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