Lucy Jones reflects on her journey through art and personal struggle

Lucy Jones, a British artist, faced numerous personal challenges, including cerebral palsy, dyslexia, and depression, which have greatly influenced her artistic output. Born into a world that often overlooked individuals with disabilities, she used her experiences to create a body of work that has been both personal and relatable. She gained recognition after her first solo exhibition at the Angela Flowers Gallery in 1986, which marked a significant turning point in her career. During her time as an artist, Jones has explored various themes, particularly focusing on self-portraits, which she views as a reflection of her evolving self-perception. Throughout her artistic journey, Lucy has grappled with depression, leading her to avoid looking at herself in the mirror for many years. Despite these hurdles, she discovered the empowering nature of self-portraiture, which allowed her to wage a personal battle against her own negative self-image. The act of painting her own likeness has been transformative, offering her a new way to relate to her body and the world around her. Notably, her works reveal a unique approach towards color and form, often infused with wit and a playful spirit. Jones also discusses the importance of community and personal relationships in her life, particularly the support she received from her husband after their meeting post-exhibition. He has played a crucial role in stabilizing her life, allowing her to focus more on her art. The artist’s recent works, including a series of self-portraits, stand as a testament to her journey and growth. These pieces not only reveal her artistic evolution but also serve as a therapeutic exercise, offering insights into her inner turmoil and challenges. Currently, an exhibition titled ‘Totally, completely, and absolutely Lucy Jones’ is being showcased at the Flowers Gallery in London, celebrating her significant body of work. The exhibition runs from July 9 to August 2, 2025, marking a milestone in Jones’s career and continuing to highlight the importance of her narrative to broader debates about disability, representation, and the power of art in self-affirmation. Such exhibitions reaffirm her place in the art world, showcasing how her struggles have not only shaped her work but have also resonated with a diverse audience, encouraging dialogue on personal and societal levels.