In January 2026, my life changed in an instant after a serious spinal accident. For weeks I lay motionless in a hospital bed, uncertain whether I would ever be able to make sculptures again. During that time my mind wandered through memories, gratitude, disappointment, hope, and the people who shaped my life. I thought about those who let me down, but even more importantly, I reflected on the kindness of the people who stood beside me—especially one remarkable person, Nicole- whose support helped me through my darkest days.

I also found myself thinking about animals and the comfort they have always brought me. Cats kept appearing in my thoughts—their incredible resilience, their quiet ability to comfort without asking for anything in return, their cheeky personalities, gentle purrs, tiny paws and magnificent whiskers. There is something wonderfully healing about cats, and somewhere during those long weeks I even started thinking that perhaps it was time to welcome one back into my life.

When I was finally given permission to return to sculpting again, I knew exactly what I wanted to make. Cats. Every sculpture in Hey Kitty was created as part of my recovery. Each piece became a small celebration of healing, resilience, hope, and the privilege of being able to create again.

The title of this exhibition carries its own special meaning. Hey Kitty isn't just a nod to my feline subjects—it is also deeply personal. "Kitty" was the nickname my big sister Jill gave me when we were children, and she called me that throughout her life. Since losing her suddenly five years ago, hearing those words has become one of my most treasured memories of her. Naming this exhibition Hey Kitty is a small way of honouring that connection while celebrating the joy, resilience and comfort that inspired these sculptures.

The exhibition will run with International Cat Day on 8 August, this exhibition celebrates not only our fascination with these remarkable creatures, but also the strength we discover in ourselves through life's unexpected challenges. Whether you're a devoted cat lover, an art collector, or simply curious to meet a room full of unique feline personalities, I hope Hey Kitty brings a smile, sparks a memory, and reminds you that healing often arrives in unexpected forms.

Cat - alogue