THE STORY: At a time of deep despair, I decided that if I couldn’t feel happy, I’d try to paint it. With a background in psychology and interior architecture, I’ve long understood how colour and environment shape mood — so I chose dopamine pinks, electric greens, and joyful florals to trick my brain into smiling again. For nearly five years, my two autistic children were trapped in unsafe schools while I fought for specialist placements. Every time I followed up and asked- I was reassured they were on waitlists and our time would come... only to discover neither was on a list at all. Files had been “lost.” Promises broken. Abuse and neglect ignored. For YEARS. I went completely feral and decided that if patience and trust clearly wasn't the answer, then I would resort to guerrilla warfare. I began calling my local SEND department for an "update on their progress" (Have you spoken to X yet? Did you send that email? What progress have you made since we last spoke?) at least once an hour. I started aggressively threatening legal action. I became more and more unhinged each time I spoke to anyone — until they finally gave in and miraculously "found" both my boys a place. Within days. Days!! This painting holds that fight: the grief, the rage, and the bright mask I wore while I imploded on the inside. The vibrant insanity that took hold of me, an electric shock of neon fury.