I was a creative child genius

My first public exhibition was at our local Happy Shopper in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire. I won a colouring competition at just four years old. A few years later it happened again. This time I went national, winning a SEGA Mega Drive via the Sunday papers, which meant I was officially good.

Colouring-in became Stroud Art School, then a Fine Art degree at Plymouth University. I briefly flirted with becoming a very serious artist but thankfully, imposter syndrome introduced itself.

I've moved around a lot, but Bristol's creative spirit probably shaped my art more than anywhere else. I designed flyers in exchange for gig tickets and pints, had my first solo exhibition at the Tobacco Factory and learnt that creativity is much more fun when you do what you love.

It's not just about me

I've exhibited in galleries across the UK, held solo exhibitions and taken part in art trails over the years. A recent break gave me plenty of time to reflect on what I actually love about being an artist.

It isn't seeing my name on a wall like I'm the real deal.

It isn't the money.

It's you.

I love our conversations. The stories. Hearing what a painting reminds you of, where you'd hang it, or why you stopped in front of it in the first place.

Watching something that started in my studio become part of someone else's life never gets old.

I still live in hope that the robot painting I did in 2008 is hanging proudly in someone's downstairs toilet.

I need something to paint about

I design services, I'm training to be an ICF coach, I'm a crystal therapy practitioner and I spend as much time as possible on the beach with my dog, Missy.

I don't think I could ever be just an artist. My art is a reflection of all the other parts of my world, and I'm not sure what kind of loop I'd get stuck in if I hid indoors and painted all day.

Good energy art?

I'm very particular these days about how I live and what I have in my home. It's not just about only surrounding myself with things that spark joy; it's about letting go of old versions of myself, embracing change and focusing on what is good in the world.

Life is hard enough without looking at a painting every day that your ex found in a skip, or staying the same because it feels easier than a bit of planned chaos to make a positive change.

So I recently made a promise to myself: I only paint when I'm feeling good, and it only makes it onto the wall if I really love it.

This is your sign to consider an upgrade, not just for your walls, but for how you want to feel.

I feel a real sense of responsibility towards the person who eventually takes one of my paintings under their wing. If I'm putting something out into the world, I want it to bring something positive into their life, too.

What's next?

You can find me at Worthing Art Trail in September 2026, closely followed by a move to Devon.

So if you fancy saying hello, I'd love to see you at the art trail or leave me message online, I do love to chat!

💙 Jo

Ps. If you bought Blingbot in Bristol, I'd love an update!