As some of you may know, my self-employed work involves not only being an artist but also working as an outdoor instructor, and balancing both roles presents a variety of challenges. After leaving my teaching career, I'm frequently asked about my current activities. I usually explain that I juggle several roles: creating and selling art, teaching art workshops, doing some supply teaching, and working as an outdoor instructor both in the UK and abroad. Recently, someone asked which role I...

How are you at asking for help? It’s only recently, that I have realised I’m not very good at asking for help. As some of you are aware, my self-employment involves varied work throughout the year, with the summer months packed with busy days spent outdoors, hiking in the UK's National Parks, and helping young people develop their expedition skills. For this element of my work I have to be self-sufficient looking after myself in a range of different weather conditions and natural environments...

As an outdoor instructor, I often have to carry a wide range of kit to support myself and others in the mountains, but one item I choose to carry was never listed in my kit training when qualifying as a mountain leader. A sketchbook and some art materials! I admit that I didn't always have a sketchbook in my backpack; it was something I would only use if I was sitting in the valley at a 'suitable' location with 'sufficient' time. Over time, it gradually became a part of my expedition life. I...