We interviewed Karen as part of our Preston Voices series and she agreed to take part in the Artist Response photo series by our lead commissioned artist Luke Richards. Here’s what Luke said about this photograph.

“Karen had a tough time during lockdown. After speaking with her at length, I realised how grateful she was of the staff working in the NHS hospitals that looked after her.

She was admitted to hospital for an ongoing condition which worsened and eventually led to her being admitted for several weeks. She was not allowed visitors due to COVID however the staff were so lovely that she agreed that having the NHS as a background would be fitting.

The background of the image is a hand written/ drawn rainbow flag which was hung on a hedge allowing people to sign it and be thoughtful of the NHS staff during the pandemic.”

To view the other photos in Luke’s series and to find out more about the artist and his work click here.