I mentioned above that I was going through a difficult time and I also have a chronic illness which leaves me disabled. For this reason I was travelling with a companion, who could help me out while I was at Helsinglight – otherwise there was a real risk I would use all my energy painting and not be able to do basic things like cook a meal and eat. I would need help getting around too – I can’t walk far and can’t drive so having somebody to help was essential. It was also just generally lovely to have a friend along. In addition to the various life stressors I also suffer from mental health issues (depression, anxiety, cPTSD) which actually form a large part of the art I produce. Indeed, my main focus while at Helsinglight was to produce more work for an exhibition collection titled “inside my brain” which is a reflection in art of my struggles with mental illness.

Due to my disability I am unable to work “normal” day job or even commit to painting every day. Helsinglight was the opportunity I needed. There is nothing quite like being able to wake every day and know that all you have to do is create and not only that but to have the space to do so right in front of you. Helsinglight was like a haven for me.

Obviously the apartment itself was a beautiful and luxurious place to stay during my time there – somehow they knew my style. The real magic came from being in a space that was dedicated to art. Not only did the apartment itself come with a lovely little studio space – which captured the morning sun in the most wonderful manner and was perfect for sketches and quiet planning –but it’s within the Helsinglight building itself a space which as well as it’s current incarnation as artist spaces, has a history as an artists hideaway.