The inspiration for my new collection is a personal journey. A paper bag with a smile?! I wanted to highlight how people often wear a fake smile to cover up how they are actually feeling on the inside. 

There was a period of my life about a year and a half ago that was really affecting me, I wasn't happy with the way my life was going, personally and as an artist. This collection is the first I have ever created that has been based on my very own personal life experience. 

The bag on the head with the smile represents me and how I was feeling. Everybody would ask me if I was ok and I would reply stating that I was fine, when really I wasn't.

I know there are loads of people out there who are also wearing these fake smiles, pretending to be ok when deep down there is something eating away at them. The caution and fragile tape you see in some of the works is also a way of representing how that person may be feeling.

I really wanted this collection to help spread awareness about mental health and encourage people to speak up if they are feeling low or struggling. However, I also want this collection to be a positive reminder for people who, like me, have been through tough times, but by seeking help have come out of the other side - things really do only get better.

As a small way to help others who may be struggling, 10% of the purchase price from this collection will be donated to the mental health charity Mind.

Zombiedan