About Me J.hartworks

Painting came into my life ten years ago—not as a career path, but as a lifeline. I began creating art as a way to cope after a mental health breakdown. What started as a quiet, personal way to heal slowly grew into something that saved me—and now, it's something I share with the world.

I don’t plan my paintings. I allow the energy within me to guide the process. Sometimes I paint with brushes, other times with my hands—whatever feels right in the moment. I simply follow the colours that call to me. If it’s not the right one, something deep inside tells me so. It’s taken me years to truly accept that I’m a spiritual artist. But the more I’ve embraced that part of myself, the more naturally and powerfully my art flows.

I’ve had the privilege of sharing my work at a pop-up gallery in Chester in 2024 and a joint exhibition in Bradford back in 2021. Through TikTok livestreams, people from all over—Scotland, Ireland, France, America—have seen me paint and have bought my pieces. But more than just sharing art, I’ve shared parts of myself.

Because my art is me.

My journey hasn’t been easy. I grew up in care, through no fault of my own, and experienced unspeakable abuse from a young age. I’ve faced homelessness, miscarriage, addiction, rejection after coming out, and the heartbreak of failed relationships. I’ve lost homes, lost hope—but never lost the will to keep going.

Today, I’m sober. I’m proud. And I’ve turned my pain into purpose.

For the last three and a half years, I’ve been working as a mental health support worker—giving back to a community I deeply care about. I’ve raised money through my art for causes like Cancer Research, the British Red Cross, and for local families in need.

Art isn’t just something I do—it’s who I am. It’s how I’ve survived. It’s how I love. Every painting carries a piece of my heart, and when you hang it on your wall, you’re holding a piece of my soul.

All I’ve ever wanted was to be loved—and through art, I’ve found a way to give love in return.

Please remember: it’s just a bad day, not a bad life. Tomorrow can be brighter.

Art is a part of your heart.
— J. HARTWORKS