Whilst at school I enjoyed art and managed to get an ‘O’ level grade in this subject, for the next 25 years I did not do any art at all. Due to peer pressure and lack of confidence which I confused with being bolshie and loud and being an attention seeker. I moved to London in the early 80s found employment, and started to use narcotics and other drugs. During the 23 yrs of my using I ended up on the streets begging, hospital, prison and 2 rehabs. I also managed to hold down various jobs whilst using which was extremely stressful and demeaning.

26 years later in prison I enrolled in the art group and assembled a decent portfolio. On release being in rehab I got involved with Creative Futures, who sent a piece of my work to Pallant House Gallery for the Outside In competition, of which I was one of the 6 winners, since then I have entered numerous exhibits, done a life drawing group, continued with my residency at Pallant House Gallery, achieved level 1-2 in art and design and am now onto a BTEC foundation diploma in fine art or working towards a fine art degree and possibly a masters in fine art and illustration.

I’ve received lots of support from the staff at Pallant House Gallery, Creative Futures, and Sanctuary Housing. Of which I would like to thank: Marc, Kate, Graham, Simon and Dominique, also not forgetting Lizzy George, the college tutor on level 1-2 Brighton College. Thank you all for your faith and love and support. Last but not least my amazing parents, and supportive sisters, Kath, Harry, Sue and Pauline.

Much love David Jones.

David Jones is one of the six award winners from Outside In 2009