SWAPPING a stethoscope for a paintbrush might appear to be a bizarre career move, but for doctor-turned-artist, Joan Ashcroft, it was a case of following a cherished dream.
Just ten months after making the swap, she is preparing for her first solo art exhibition, due to take place in South Queensferry, Edinburgh at the end of the month.
She said: “I am so excited about the exhibition and I am absolutely thrilled to have this opportunity to share my work.”
Earlier this year, Joan (35), who lives in Clackmannanshire with husband, Kevin, and two young children, took the plunge and set up business as an artist, fulfilling her dream.
“Living in central Scotland, surrounded by dramatic rural landscapes has provided fantastic inspiration. I feel privileged to live in a part of the world of such outstanding beauty. Taking up painting again has made me appreciate my surroundings even more.”
Joan, a primarily self-taught artist, has already begun establishing herself across Scotland, having taken part in exhibitions in Kinross, Clackmannanshire, Dunkeld and Pitlochry.
“I love my work and love the challenge of creating commissioned paintings.
”I’ve painted everything from a single white rose to a Welsh Mountain Pony, a riverside landscape in Devon to a sunset seascape. I really enjoy tailoring my work for specific clients, with my focus being on creating work which really means something to them and can give them many years of enjoyment.
“I have always loved painting and art, but felt I had to be practical and opted to go in to medicine.
“Medicine gave me so much and I will always be grateful for that, however, I feel extremely fortunate that I’ve now created a career doing something I absolutely love!”
Notes to editor
Joan graduated from Imperial College Medical School in London in 2000 and moved up to Scotland to live with her fiancé and embark on her medical career.
After working at the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow for a year as a junior doctor during which she got married to Kevin, Joan went on to begin a further two years of hospital rotations at The Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley.
The next two years was spent completing her training to become a GP and having her first baby.
Following successful completion of her General Practice training in 2005 Joan made the decision to have a break from her medical career in order to spend more time with her two young children.
In January 2011, Joan made the decision to follow her passion for painting and set up business as an artist.
Events October 2011
Joan Ashcroft @ Ferryburn – 1st Solo Exhibition by Joan Ashcroft
Thursday 27th October 2011-10-11
6.00pm -9.00pm
Ferryburn Dental Care
Ferryburn House
Rosebery Avenue
South Queensferry
Edinburgh
EH30 9JG
w: www.ferryburn.co.uk
e: events@ferryburn.co.uk
For further information, please contact Joan Ashcroft
t: 07970 015507
w: www. joanashcroft.com
e: art@joanashcroft.com
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Contact: Joan Ashcroft
Phone: 07970 015507
Email: art@joanashcroft.com
Website: http://www.joanashcroft.com
