…it set me apart and gave me licence to do and be whatever I wanted. It has taken a lifetime to understand how lovely this magic and creativity is.

When I was eight my father showed me a Deposition painting by Bellini which blew my mind. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen, and I wanted to be a part of this powerful wonderful shocking art, too. Until that moment I had only seen illustrations in children’s books. Nothing could have prepared me for the effect of this extraordinary work of art.

Perhaps it was instrumental later in my life, with the work I have done with the dying, with the A Graceful Death exhibition and the Addicts And Those Who Love Them project. 

I have an MA Hons in Art History (specialising in Italian Renaissance painting, thanks to Bellini). I am a Reiki Master, a trained holistic end of life companion, a grandmother, a writer and a speaker.