As a child I always loved to draw. I became passionate about art at school and even had one of my pieces sent to be exhibited in China. 

​

I utilised my artistic skills to produced detailed histological preparations and drawings on a micro and macroscopic level and qualified as a Medical Laboratory Scientist,  in subsequent careers as a Montessori Teacher and Sure Start Manager, my artistic skills were used but to a lesser degree.  

​

I later felt I needed to embrace my creative roots and I embarked on a graphic design course at Central St Martins. The course rekindled my passion for art and pushed me to pursue my dreams.  

I gained invaluable skills and knowledge by completing a BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and later went on to study 3D illustration. 

​

At the age of 55 I was made redundant and since 2011 I started to trade under the name of Alicia Dean Artworks (the names of my children who I reward with a percentage of my sales). I am really proud of my African Caribbean cultural heritage and my artwork reflects this..

​

I started navigating the path into the art world as a mature black woman.  I now own the title of 'Artist'. I have since found that art by black artist needs to be valued on an equal footing one way that I can contribute to this is to showcase my work whilst giving kudos to those who have paved the way for me....Faith Ringgold, Lubaina Himid, Sonia Boyce, Kerry James Marshall, Chris Ofili and many many more.

​