Sue Grimbly

Life’s unpredictability brings with it a spectrum of emotions—from joy to sorrow, excitement to fear. By accepting this uncertainty, we allow ourselves to experience life more fully and honestly. I believe that this emotional authenticity is what makes life rich and meaningful. Transparency in how we express these emotions deepens our connections with others and strengthens our self-awareness. It’s through such openness that we find empathy, understanding, and, ultimately, harmony amidst turmoil.

For me, art—particularly painting—is a powerful way to externalise these emotional experiences. I often feel a compelling, spontaneous urge to put paint onto canvas. At the moment of creation, there’s rarely a clear direction; instead, the process is instinctive and emotionally driven. A piece might evolve over several days or even weeks, each layer reflecting a shift in thought or feeling. My choices in brushstroke, colour, and composition are not pre-planned—they emerge naturally, shaped by whatever I’m experiencing internally. Painting offers me clarity, a positive emotional release, and a sense of escape. It becomes a tangible way to process what’s otherwise intangible.

I qualified as an ESOL teacher in 2006, teaching specialist language skills in France and Switzerland. On returning to the UK, I worked as a Lecturer at HMP Dartmoor, delivering Entry Level English and Personal Social Development. It was during this time that I observed the powerful impact of creativity on mental wellbeing. Painting and other expressive activities not only improved behaviour and emotional resilience but also enhanced communication skills, self-worth, and overall educational engagement. These experiences reinforced my belief in the therapeutic and transformative power of artistic expression—something I see as increasingly vital as our ways of communicating continue to evolve.

In both my teaching and artistic practice, I’ve seen how honest emotional expression—whether through words or visual language—can be a force for connection, healing, and growth. Through painting, I aim not only to explore my own emotions, but also to create space for others to reflect, relate, and find resonance.