April Craig

Born in Cambridgeshire in April 1993, I grew up with two younger sisters and an older brother. Moving to the Ribble Valley when I was still young, I have lived my life up to now in Lancashire. Leaving home at 16 I have lived independently and currently reside with my partner of six years and childhood friend Olli. I currently work as a PA for a beauty training centre after leaving catering and hospitality which I have worked in since I was 15.  

I attended Clitheroe Royal Grammar School and proceeded on to the grammar Sixth form where I dropped out to pursue a BTEC course in Health and Social Care. My passion lies in helping others, and my high grades gained me entry into the University of Central Lancashire where I studied psychology and criminology. Following graduation I decided to pursue my dream; working as a counsellor and therapist for soldiers with PTSD in the British Army. Unfortunately due to medical issues I was rejected from entry. I was devastated and felt like I was going to be trapped in hospitality forever. Fortunately for me, a regular customer saw potential in me and offered me a job as his PA, whilst training me in scalp micro-pigmentation and funding my NVQ Beauty courses. It was like a gift from God. My entire adult life has been spent putting on masks for other people, fake smiles and courtesies to people who I felt had no respect for me.  

I found escape from reality in art; I don't need to put a mask on, I can express what I think and feel. Art takes me places in my own mind that nothing else can. I only exist in the moment that I am drawing, and nothing else matters. I drew purely leisurely as a personal escape from my own life, till a recognised artist recognised a talent in me. Not only am I drawing for me, but I can allow other people to enjoy my work.  

My inspirations vary, and the only defining feature of my style is that I purely draw. I take inspiration from real life and fantasy, and I love the diversity and depth gained from using simple graphite pencils.