09/03/2024
Photography, for me, is about finding truth in a moment and preserving it forever, freezing it in time. When I found out my wonderful dad was diagnosed with Cancer last year, I couldn't bear to look at my camera. I lost confidence in doing the thing I love most. As I try to understand why, I think it's because I didn't want to experience the happiness I feel when I'm behind a camera when someone I love so much is going through such a horrible and difficult time.
When Trish came to me and asked if I wanted to be involved in this project, I said yes before knowing anything about it. I know anything she does holds so much value for the community and is always filled with incredible, crazy, and inspirational ideas, but I was still stuck in this world of a creative block and started to feel so nervous about delivering these workshops. It was my dad's encouragement that resonated deeply, telling me not to give in. Seeing his unwavering strength in the face of everything he was going through became a powerful reminder that giving up was not an option. It wasn't long before Trish and I were sending the same mood boards to one another without knowing, and then I could feel the passion starting to come back.
Now, 9 weeks on, I can wholeheartedly say that thanks to Trish, Ian, and the incredible women who shared this journey, I have never felt so inspired and have found a whole new lease of creativity and love for my photography. For this, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart to Trish and Ian for always believing in me, to the wonderful women whom I feel privileged to have spent time with during these 9 weeks, and to my fantastic photography group - Ash, Isabella, and Marie! You brought me back to life.
And finally, to the wild women in my life who pick me up whenever I fall, who continue to love me no matter what, and who I feel lucky to have in my life. Thank you; you fill my life with a rainbow of colour every day.
Sugar Stealers Arts Council England