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I knew from a young age that I was creative. It all started when I first looked at Vincent van Gogh's paintings in our first art lesson at Lower School. I knew then that art would be important to me.

A Wheatfield, with Cypresses

A Wheatfield, with Cypresses 1889

Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)

The National Gallery, London

My mum used to draw fashion sketches and Disney characters for me when I was a child and I wanted to be able to copy her. My earliest memory of drawing was designing an ice cream factory on sheets of typewriting paper! I have since exhibited my work and sold paintings. My mum still paints, draws and makes all sorts of amazing things.

'Micky'

'Micky'

When it comes to art, finding a connection that personally speaks to me is important. Indulging in art helped me through loneliness, heartbreak and anxiety and I was able to use it as a way to express how I felt and relieve any pressure I felt. To me, expressing yourself through art is the same as the way we express ourselves with the clothes we wear and the music we listen to.

My love for art led to university. While there, I was exposed to millions of artists that I'd never even heard of! It was overwhelming as I didn't know where my work and I would fit in. I remember first seeing Francis Bacon's Head VI and being in awe of his gothic technique, and seeing Tracey Emin's installations based on the everyday, and admiring the beauty of the handmade.

Head VI

Head VI 1949

Francis Bacon (1909–1992)

Arts Council Collection, Southbank Centre

Without the influence of art, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to sell my own artwork, to create my blog, to plan my own side business or inspire others. It’s made me become more creative and strong-minded and helped me dream bigger than I thought I could. Somewhere out there is a masterpiece that connects to all the emotions you are feeling right now and will help you to heal. Trying to Find You 1 by Tracey Emin, for example, makes me think about loss and unrequited love. However, you may have an entirely different experience from that painting and that’s what makes art special and unique.

Trying to Find You 1

Trying to Find You 1 2007

Tracey Emin (b.1963)

Royal Academy of Arts

There are so many people out there who say that nothing relates to them and maybe a few years ago that may have been true. However, the world is changing drastically and art changes with it. There is so much more to art than oil paints and watercolours. It is free and open to all and there is no limit on age, gender or race.  

Art isn't about whether your three-year-old can do a better job or whether you can or can’t decipher what it 'is'. It's about what it says to you and how it makes you feel. It's everywhere – all you have to do is look and be open to it.

Grated Jadegate

Grated Jadegate 1962

Pericle Luigi Giovannetti (1916–2001)

Peter Scott Gallery

Nadine Adele, blogger and member of The Girl Gang, a community of bloggers who open a weekly Twitter chat at #thegirlgang