This collection of paintings was done over a span of five years. I first found this way of working whilst I was doing my A'Levels and then continued to explore it whilst travelling around Australia. The work is inspired by artists such as Francis Bacon, Willem De Kooning and Jackson Pollock. It is expressive and emotive and often depicts a time of great struggle and difficulty. I feel that expression through art during this time was extremely cathartic and helpful for my journey through recovery from a serious illness. It evokes ideas of the subconscious and can be a way of exploring the inner network of thoughts and feelings. Through working in this way I came in to contact with therapy as art and the company Magic Carpet. I have worked for them since 2007 running and supporting art sessions with people with mental health issues and learning difficulties.