Biography

As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be an Artist. Growing up in Neyland, Pembrokeshire, I would seek out any art books and ‘how to’ guides I could find in the local library. My parents were very supportive and would buy materials, and the more expensive books. I would revel in the images I found and try to replicate them as best I could.

I have always used art to escape and make sense of things. Suffering from depression and anxiety, I found peace in my sketchbook and believe art to be a true healer. I’m not trying to produce a masterpiece, more trying to connect with and communicate the more beautiful side of life.

I go by the alias ‘A.K.A. Stanly’ in order to recognise the change in myself whilst becoming an artist. This practice was common for artists and poets in China and Japan, usually marking extreme changes in their lives. I am heavily influenced by Asian art and wanted to experience this metamorphosis for myself.

After studying documentary photography at University of Wales Newport, I turned my focus back towards painting as it felt more natural to me. Going through lockdown in 2020 made me realise that I wanted to grow more as an artist and become increasingly more connected with the landscape that I love.

.