The bus will get me there

By Chris Ridge

About three and a half years ago I was shown around North Tyneside Art Studio by Doug Lamb. I was really impressed with what I had seen. About three months later I had the opportunity to join the studio and I did. I found I had made a good move at last . At first I found it hard to get on and off buses by myself, it was a case of do it and after a while I made it. 

Then I hope I started to make friends, at this stage in my life I found it hard to motivate myself, now I feel I have made friends and have a more structured life. 

The artists in the studio help me with the two commissions for Whitley Bay Park View Shopping Centre. After I got these commissions and they had been put up on the walls I ended up with a big head for a little while. Now I do lots of paintings, mainly of climbers , outdoor scenery but mainly climbers.

I now look forward to coming to North Tyneside Art Studio every day of the week.