I did art at school but unfortunately, I didn't continue it for my GCSEs which I now regret. I painted on and off for a few years. Then in 2001 I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE/Lupus for short). I stopped painting completely, I thought I wouldn't be able to draw or paint any more. Then on 1 October 2010 I enrolled onto a 10 week art class, that was being held every Friday 09:45-11:45 at a local community centre. I was so nervous about attending. My health wasn't brilliant and I'd lost a lot of self-confidence, not only with my art but, also in me as a person. I was really surprised by the warm welcome I received. At the time I didn't have any social life to speak of so it was really daunting walking into a room with lots of people. My health improved enormously when I started the course and I've enrolled for every term ever since and I'm learning new things all the time which is really fun. I like trying new mediums and techniques.