Jen Stocks — Soldier's Arts Academy

Above: Biggles and chicken feed (Watercolour) 18x13cm Framed £60

Above: Biggles with Mark (Watercolour) 18x13cm Framed £60

JEN STOCKS

Jen joined the Territorial Army (TA) as a soldier and rose to the dizzy heights of LCpl before applying for a TA commission. She then had a rush of blood to the head and went back to Sandhurst to train as a regular officer.

Driven out of the regular army by sexual discrimination and abuse, Jen went back to the TA, and her six operational tours were completed by being called up from the reserves. Depression caused a lot of problems over the years, and Covid-19 felt like the final straw.

Fortunately, Jen found the Soldiers Arts Academy during the early days of lockdown and the online art course became a real lifesaver. Having done pottery O Level because she couldn't draw, it was 45 years since she had touched a paintbrush. Robin Perko's atelier approach to teaching, along with the supportive nature of the group, has improved her outlook beyond recognition.