'My condition leaves me in agony every-day; I go to bed about 4pm every day. But can't sleep and am very very tired all the time. But despite this I find that painting, making music, and taking photo's help me cope with the pain. It gives me a focus. I am very lucky though I have a family that supports me; my wife Eliane is just brilliant. And copes well with our situation as well as looking after our 3 children. (The lad has left home now and is looking forward to his own family in April). The best thing that I can advise people to is find something that really pushes their buttons and give it a good go, but only do things when you feel that you can. Don't get pushed by college tutors or course leaders if you don't feel ok do as much as YOU feel you can, and enjoy it.

My paintings are about space and the problems that I have incurred being a w/chair user. The first image is a drawing from my sketchbook, relates to the terrible time that I have had be accepted for benefits, the medicals, the tribunals, the general feeling that you are being watched, under the microscope of life in general. The second relates to the confusion that the outside world can at times create for the disabled in general. And the last work is about the loneliness that pain can bring, despite being in the best relationship, pain is a very personal thing and can only be confronted by ones self. No drugs, doctors, or even partners can share this terrible burden that blights my life 24/7. The blocks represent the islands I find to rest upon, my art, my wife and my family because without these things the canvas would be empty.'

- Ken Bumby