On May 29 2022, I accidentally started my art practice with champagne and birthday cake. It was the first anniversary of my poetry book 'Diary of a Freelancer' and I wanted to celebrate this beautiful thing that had come into my life and resonated with so many people. I decided to paint some of the beloved prose from the book in rainbow lettering onto wooden boards (canvas was too intimidating) and made them available to purchase, thinking if I just sold one of them that would be incredible. It was a sold out show in the first day. Including 2 pieces selling internationally, in London and Toronto. This was the moment I decided I needed to actually figure out this art thing. I bought my first canvas, learnt how to stretch and frame, studied paints and primers and brushes and mediums and colourscapes. Everything unfolded from a focused, playful mastering. As well as asking my teachers a thousand questions. Even as my practice continues to bloom, I still have a deep love for this first collection. It's print editions are still gracing homes all around the world.