My name is Jason Grace and I am from Tallaght. I get my inspiration from real life and comic books. I usually work with acrylic paint but at the moment I am also trying to use charcoal and chalk in my work.

I grew up in a house where my parents were deaf and as a result of my background, I have been exposed to discrimination my entire life. Through my work, I want to make sure that people with disability have a voice and that this voice is being heard.

I feel very strongly about this. My style of work can vary but it is usually inspired by things I see and books I read, particularly comic books. However, my art is also a way to express my personal feelings.

I was very proud to have been chosen to be part of the Connecting Artists 2024 programme. I am very passionate about being an advocate for disabled people and this programme feels like a recognition of my involvement with the disability movement and I see it as a step up in my life. At the moment, I am both excited and anxious about exhibiting my work at the Royal College of Surgeons.