Kay Smith

Artistic background

**Created by K**
Kay Smith is an amateur painter and creator who found a new way to express herself after a life-changing accident nearly four years ago. Living with a brain injury, fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis, hypermobility, lupus, and other challenges, she’s had to adapt and find new ways to create and connect.
Once a teacher for 26 years, a professional actress, singer, and youth theatre director, her life shifted dramatically when she fell. Now, as she navigates her new normal, she’s discovered painting as a joyful outlet. Though she is not technically trained and was even asked to leave her A-level art class for not being “good enough,” she enjoys using bold, vibrant colours to craft different worlds and feelings.

Her work is a reflection of resilience and hope, inspired by her love for nature, fantasy, and the bright moments that lift her spirits. “I paint in short bursts, often wearing orange lens glasses to help focus hence the vivid colours. I have to wear noise reduction headphones in public places and have had to accept using mobility aids and asking for help”
Every piece she creates tells a story and it is more about painting an atmosphere or a feeling rather than copying things exactly. Kay can’t copy from images as she can’t flick her eyes back and forth without feeling ill.
“I used to sing so much, and my world was full of noise and bright lights but now it’s calmer and more mellow. That is not a bad thing - it’s just different”.

Kay hopes her paintings bring a splash of colour and happiness to your day!