Claire Ashburner

I absolutely love to paint and describe myself as a passionate amateur artist who happens to have MS.

I always enjoyed being creative when I was younger, but over the years family life, work and everything else took over. I rediscovered my love of art nine years ago when I joined a weekly class at a local MS Centre, and immediately found a sense of peace and focus in painting.

Five years ago I joined another weekly class, and this became the beginning of what I think of as my true art journey. My tutor, Gill, has encouraged me endlessly, always taking my physical difficulties into consideration. At that time I was painting with a very unsteady and shaky hand, but Gill always finds ways to adapt projects so that I can approach them in my own way.

Over time my confidence has grown enormously. I have learned ways to steady my hand and now alternate between painting with my left and right hands.

My style is still emerging, which is part of what I love about painting. I enjoy discovering new techniques, experimenting and seeing where they take me. At the moment, I find myself particularly drawn to bold colour and a pop-art style, and I feel very proud of my work"