My passion for design was lit way back when I was a young girl, it was ignited by an elderly neighbour, Mr Leonard Victor Thomas Preater, a renowned Leicestershire artist (some of his paintings can still be seen on display today at Leicestershire Cricket Club).

In the back room of Mr P’s semi-detached house was his art studio, complete with easel and an enormous kiln; it oozed the smell of oil paints and turpentine.  I would spend many hours at his side, fascinated by his artistry, watching each meticulously applied brush stroke take shape and, as if by magic, a nose would poke out of the blank canvas, followed by peering eyes and plump lips, and eventually a face would emerge in full glory.

Always curious about his use of colour - blonde hair to me was just yellow, he was adding shades of purples, reds, greens, and scribbles of white and blue.  Mr P taught me to look closer at the subject, forget what you think you are looking at, clear your mind, look again.  Now what do you see?

Unfortunately, Mr P passed away when I was thirteen, but his love for art stayed with me and, upon leaving school, I set about my own creative journey.