AUTHOR BIO

I have written this book in honour of my daughter, who told me this tale but never got to write it herself. I hope that I have done her proud.

Email: ruthepaulley@gmail.com
Instagram: ruthehallam

My name is Andy Hallam, I am the nephew of the author of this book.

I am a disabled artist from County Down in Northern Ireland. In 2008, at the age of twenty-four, I suffered a stroke following the rupture of an intracranial aneurysm, resulting in right sided weakness. Luckily for me I’m a leftie.

I was on life support for six weeks and hospitalised for a total of nine months, then left with significant paralysis for several years. With the love and dedication from my parents, Ken and Sue, and my bothers Chris and Daniel, I have survived to tell the tale.

In 2014, as part of my rehab and recovery I started to draw, initially for fun, but this soon turned into a hobby and a passion. By 2019 I started to recreate scenes from movies, and portraits of celebrities in graphite, also drawing friends, relatives and taking on some commissions. I started to grow an Instagram following, where I showcase my artistic journey. I am totally self-taught.

When Ruth asked me to come up with a cover for this book, I was able to try out new subject genres, quickly needing to learn how to draw trees and smoke.

I was very close to my cousin Tess and have been thrilled to be able to complete this piece for her.

Instagram: @andyhallam_art