A Week of Two Halves

Coming Out the Other Side, Then Facing It Again

There’s something incredibly grounding about painting wildlife. Each animal, in its stillness or motion, seems to carry a message I often don’t realise I need until I’ve painted it.

For a while, that connection felt distant.When I found out my NHS role was at risk, my creativity faltered. The uncertainty took up space in my mind and body, and the energy I usually poured into my art just… wasn’t there. I had ideas, but no spark.

Then came Monday — and some much-needed light.

I found out I had been successful in keeping my job. I’d poured so much time, energy and heart into preparing for the interview, and the feedback was incredible:

“That was the best interview we’ve ever had.”

It felt like a turning point. Like stability was returning. My creativity began to reawaken.

But just days later, on Friday, everything shifted again.

The Commissioning Support Units — which I work for as part of the NHS — were announced to be abolished.So once again, my job is at risk.

🎨 Holding Onto What Grounds Me

To be honest, it’s been a whirlwind of emotions — pride, then grief, then quiet resilience.More than ever, I’m leaning into my art.

It’s the one place I can fully be myself, and the only thing that has remained constant through this storm. Every time I sit down to paint, I feel a little more like myself again.

🐕‍🦺 The Painted Dog — Loyalty, Community, and Resilience

That’s why this week’s art release feels so personal.

I’m releasing the Painted Dog — a piece I originally created as part of my Across the Continent series.But now, it means even more.

Painted dogs live in tightly bonded packs. They rely on loyalty, communication, and trust in each other to survive in unpredictable conditions.They adapt. They persevere. They protect one another.

This painting reminds me of how I want to move through the next few weeks — with trust, with heart, and with the belief that something good is on the other side of change.

🌿 Choosing the Brave Path

This season has made one thing very clear:

✨ My dream is to leave the corporate world and step fully into life as an artist.

Not just to paint wildlife, but to offer something meaningful:

• 🐾 Original paintings that connect people to nature and emotion

• 🌈 Art life coaching and wellbeing workshops that use creativity to support mental health

• 💬 A deeper conversation about how art and animals can hold space for healing

It feels like the universe is nudging me — again and again — to take brave steps toward that dream.

💡 Doing the Work

I’m currently completing my digital marketing qualification, learning how to share my art with more confidence, clarity, and heart. I’m also reflecting deeply on who my art is for — who feels the emotional connection I pour into every brushstroke.

Selling art has never been easy for me, but I’m learning. Because I know how much it helps me — and I want others to feel that too.

💛 Grateful for My Circle

To my friends and loved ones: thank you.You’ve stood beside me through every high and low.Whether with words, encouragement, or just holding space — you’ve made all the difference, and I’m endlessly grateful.

🛒 The Painted Dog

If you’re navigating uncertainty too, I hope this piece brings comfort. And if you're walking your own brave path right now — I see you.

📆 The Painted Dog is available — Email me or Dm on social media to find out more detail.

Thank you for being part of this journey. It’s been a week of two halves — but I’m still walking forward.