Time to flatter the ego. I’m not really keen on these pages, but they serve a purpose (and can always be changed!) So what can I say? I am a pedigree Brit - English and Welsh parents, born and bred in Scotland - who never really felt at home in the land of Marmite, sea side promenades and rich tea biscuits. As such I finally decided to make a run for it last Autumn, and firmly planted myself in Västerås, Sweden, near enough the center of Scandinavia.

I told myself that if I survived the winter I could survive anything. Some of my Swedish friends have been a little insulted by my pessimism. But realistically, a winter in a cold, dark country with no employment, no education and no social network is a challenge! However, it gives you a lot of time to re-asses, and happily enough, I have found myself swinging into a delightful looking Swedish spring. I have a place to live, am in full time education for the first time since I was 17, a sport related hobby, something resembling a healthy social life AND plans for the future. This ain’t just surviving, it’s thriving!

So what do I do here in this apparent land of plenty (apart from gainful employment, but I think that’s a global theme at the moment.) First and foremost, jag pluggar svenska, or study Swedish, at Mäladarlens Högskola, Västerås’ university. Experiencing my own brand of student life, first hand. I am 3 months through an 18 month education, after which I should, theoretically, be sufficiently fluent to go on to study any other subject I desire.

I also train capoeira (a Brazilian dance cum martial art) three times a week with a group of fantastic människor. For those of you not in the know pay a quick visit to wikipedia. In my opinion the easiest and most authentic way in which to integrate with the local community is to enroll in the ubiquitous ‘kurs.’ It is vital to be taking part is some kind of extra-carricular activity in order to feel a part of this society! It’s also a great way to make friends and improve one’s rudimentary language skills.

Finally, I am attempting to find a way to make a living as an artist. After several years of putting all artistic ambitions on hold I have decided to abandon my cynical outlook on the likelihood of actually ‘making it’ in the profession and give it a damn good go. At the moment the emphasis lies on playing with ideas and finding out what I am actually good at. This summer will be spent working on (hopefully) two joint exhibitions and putting together a website with a gallery and shop. If I don’t try I’ll never know and always be haunted by the possibility.

Life is only ever what you make it!