Geraldine Evans

My chosen path in life meant that my personal art was always a side line and never a clear focus. I had an aptitude for helping adolescents, the homeless, convicted offenders and that brought me a tremendous amount of pride, satisfaction and self-worth. It also meant that my career would take me into Social Housing Management. In that world I also realised that it was possible to be passionate about policies and procedures. I wanted to 'be the change I wanted to see in the world' and my artwork didn't get a look in!

Married life and 2 children later, I see my place so differently in the world now. I choose not to worry about the routines of living that I can not change. I understand that the love and deep friendships I so longed to find out in the world, were patiently waiting for me to realise they existed in my family. Marriage and children are precious gifts and they have taught me how to stand still and listen and to laugh so hard.

Now I get it! Now I 'see' the value of my 'gift'. It is an opportunity to share and this is my time, after giving so much of me to others, to let my light shine.

1966 - I was born in Birmingham, the youngest of three children
1977 - 1984 - My love of drawing began at an early age and I developed a passion for it whilst at Joseph Leckie Comprehensive School in Walsall
1984 - 1985 - I listened to my family's encouragement and took my 'gift' to Walsall College of Art. I entered a 2 year Foundation course and was lucky enough to be given direct entry into the second year
1985 - 1988 - Stourbridge College of Technology & Art completing my BA Honours Degree in Fine Art Painting & Art History. My final show was a success and was taken to Edinburgh to be shown, courtesy of Richard De Marco. I was always a timid child with many insecurities, but I knew from a young age that I had an ability to communicate and touch people through my pictures, but I was disillusioned by the Art World
1988 - 1990 - Sheffield Hallam University completing a postgraduate diploma in Art Psychotherapy and so I took my 'gift' and carved an 11 year career as an Art Psychotherapist.