Substance use and addiction have been deeply personal struggles in my life. Twenty years ago, I was trapped in a five-year battle with heroin and crack addiction. Today, I celebrate two decades of recovery, a journey that has profoundly influenced my artwork.

In 2020, during a severe mental breakdown, my mental health worker emphasized that creativity is vital to my well-being. For me, creativity is as natural as breathing. A day without engaging in some form of art—be it painting, embroidery, textile work, or writing—would make me unwell. It’s not just a passion; it’s essential to my mental health and overall well-being.

Working with Portraits of Recovery, as an artist gave me such confidence. Such confidence and self-belief and all the people were encouraging and even if your intention is not to make a life out of art, that doesn’t matter. Thanks to Portraits of Recovery, I’ve found a way to share my journey and connect with others through my art. This organization understands the transformative power of creativity in the healing process, and I am grateful for the opportunities the organisation has given me.