calming down at my parents house led to this artwork

[LDAutie]

hi to everyone who uses mencap,i hope you are all ok!

last friday, i was told with no notice that i was to have an agency waking night that night and the next morning a agency day staff woud be taking over, the senior staff was very concerned for me as he knew how id cope (or dont cope) with new people to my routine and changes and so he spoke to my dad and aranged for me to stay at their house that night until 2:30pm the next day.

the day before,i had gone to the british ceramics biennial with my support staff, a few other artists and some staff and volunteers from venture arts and i was asked by my ceramics tutor if i am able to draw stuff as she had never seen my traditional art work before,and i have a routine at the studio-all of my ceramics are based around fish so i started drawing the synidontis poli catfish.

i used a few different pens and pencils on this, i had a big challenge with the size of the art book first of all-its A3 and massive to draw a fish to this size...then i had difficulties with the super fine line pen because i have severe peripheral neuropathy in all my limbs and hands and they shake and jump about without notice and i have no feeling in them so i dont know how much pressure im putting on when shading-i have to hold my hand when drawing as well to guide it and hold it still as i cant draw with just one.

i also did a abstract background-those designs are the bubbles that woud be in the water around the catfish, i used two pebeo oil paint pens to make them as well.

i really love catfish i have two chonky catfish myself and a black neon tetra,i am going to restock my tank soon (its 400 litre and my dad does the work with it,as its very technical_).

just before i go,for anyone in manchester or if you woud fancy a day out here, if you have got any time spare go visit the central library in picadilly,manchester-its got a free art exhibition on called 'completely a hustling place' until late december. its all fantastic art work from venture arts artists including myself,i know one of my photos/images has been blown up and is on show there, ive no idea what theyve picked as i coudnt go to the opening party yesterday but its worth a look, everyone at VA is incredibly talented and creative-the artists and staff.

[Rupertthebear]

That’s lovely art work LDAutie . You are so inspirational . I will get my son to do some cat fish too . Really wonderful . How can I get him to keep in touch with you for ideas and inspiration?

[Michele1965]

LDAuntie your artwork is outstanding. The catfish is brilliant. I cannot tell if it is a drawing or a 3d image placed upon the page. You have an amazing talent. I am not at all surprised to hear that you have a piece of work in the 'completely a bustling place' exhibition. Your standard of work is so high that I will not be surprised if you have your own exhibition some day. I live over in Northern Ireland so sadly cannot check out the exhibition which is my loss but I am so pleased that others will get to see and appreciate your talent. And to hear that this wonderful artwork was the product of having to deal with a Chang to your routine makes me so proud of how you managed the decisions of others whose role is to support your best interests!You are an exceptional person with a truly amazing talent. Keep sharing your work with others. I can tell you it gives us joy to see such wonderful work.

Every best wish,

Michele

[JackieOO]

This is amazing - you are very talented indeed. And thanks for letting us know about the exhibition.🐟🐡🐠

[Teachginge64]

Wow what an amazing piece of artwork !You really are so talented !

The exhibition sounds wonderful too .

[49Twister]

Great piece of work LDAutie you really do have many talents, love it.

[outdoorsy1]

that's great

[Bluey203]

That is so amazing, it is so 3D it looks like its going to swim off the page! Well done 😊👍

[Hidden]

Such amazing great work!! Wow you really are good!!! I would buy your work if I could!

[emmellecy]

Wow that's really good LDAutie! You are so lucky to have a fantastic support network around you to look after you and encourage your talents to shine through. You also seem very knowledgeable in disability support which is another brilliant ability. I've been following your posts and replies so I was inspired to comment on this. Seriously, please do keep going with your art and your advice because it is so valuable and helpful to a lot of people. You are an inspiration to so many people! xx