Sarah defies years of illness to create art

AFTER years of illness and diagnosis, Sarah Humphries never thought she would achieve her dream artistic career.

- SHANNON BROWN

But, following a journey of doctor’s visits, losing most of her vision in one eye, and a near-fatal bout of sepsis, she now creates seemingly effortless wood carvings that defy the physical and mental barriers it takes to create it.

Her skills are being displayed at Plymouth’s Looe Street Art Gallery as part of a commission from the Lesbian Voices of Plymouth project to create a piece of art which celebrates previously hidden Plymouth lesbian history.

“I can only work for a limited time – usually a few hours a day – but it distracts me from my chronic pain,” Sarah said.

Her contribution to the project is called ‘Out of the Box,’ and shows an elaborate signpost depicting aspects of the hidden history of Plymouth’s lesbian culture.

Looking closely, there are the owners of the radical bookshop ‘In Other Words,’ opened on Mutley Plain by Prudence de Villiers and her partner, Gay Jones. Also featured are Betty and Edna, the armed forces sweethearts, together for over 50 years.