Something magical when you put pen to paper (or brush to canvas etc.). That action wakes up the right side of the brain and kicks your creative centre into action. Logic and jobs list get put aside and your synapses start firing up the imagination.

‘Participating in the arts can enable people to deal with a wide range of mental ill-health conditions and psychological distress.’ MentalHealth.org

They also go on to discuss how group activities in the arts can combat issues with isolation, a fact that I observe in action while running the Creating Confidence programme for East End Women. Creating together provides the perfect environment for connection. You are not only sharing a common task but seeing different approaches to the same starting point, which enables you to learn deeply about each other without even saying a word. This is incredibly powerful - especially for people who find it difficult to open up. Also, the act of buying your eyes and hands gives the opportunity for people to talk without worrying about eye contact. For those of us who have experienced trauma or need to talk through complex issues, eye contact can feel confrontational and artwork provides somewhere for eyes to rest while during conversation. This was something I learned from the amazing people at James’ Place in Newcastle - a place where they hang art in therapy rooms to give clients something to look at while they have their sessions.

What piece are you most proud of selling, and what story does it tell?

I remember selling one of my peacock prints to a lovely man at a local art market. He was looking for something special for his sons who had just moved into his own home. He saw the peacock and loved it. He walked around the market and came back for it. I was overjoyed at how he was pulled back to it among so many beautiful pieces and it was the first print I sold to someone outside of my friends and family group.