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Queen of the road turns artist
A truck-driving Chorley mum swapped axles for an easel and took first prize in an art competition.
For many years mum-of-three Steph Matthews enjoyed her job as a class A truck driver, only pursuing her love of art at break times when she would pull out her sketch pad.
But the 44-year-old, of Back Lane, Whittle-le-Woods, decided she wanted to pursue her artistic talents further and took a year out.
Now she has had her work exhibited for the first time at Preston law firm Marsden Rawsthorn and has been awarded first prize in an art competition run at Astley Hall.
She said: "For as long as I can remember I have always loved art and being creative. It is a really hard industry to break into, but after having my three children I decided to take a year out to concentrate on my passion.
"I signed up to study for a degree in fine art at the University of Central Lancashire and was recently approached to showcase my work at Marsden Rawsthorn's as part of their first anniversary celebrations.
"It was a really good opportunity to show what I can do and it gave me the confidence to push forward."
Steph entered the Astley Biennial Open Exhibition 2009 and judges crowned her the winner of the art student category for her sculpture 'Smile'.
She added: "I couldn't believe it when they rang me up to tell me that I had won. I had carved the head from a square block of plaster.
"I enjoy carving sculptures as well as painting and taking photographs.
I also love painting murals and I will be decorating the new Pet's Corner in Astley Park before it opens.
"We are hoping to get school children along to help out with it and it's a really exciting project, especially as I love drawing animals."
Steph, who volunteers for charities including Age Concern, helping with their art classes, said she hopes to make a successful career out of art.
She added: "I'm not money -orientated. It'd be nice to pay a bill from art one day, but I just hope to be successful in what I do."
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Weather for Chorley
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
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