A PYSCHIATRIC nurse who gave up her job to fulfil her ambition of being a stained glass artist is being tipped for the top.

Kathryn Monks, of Redearth Road, Darwen, has already managed to get a three month exhibition of her work in Blackburn art gallery from June 13 to September 13 next year.

And Sue Coughlin, who runs arts support group Darwen Crafters, said: "She is so modest but she could go the whole way.

"Her work is exceptional and is totally unique."

Kathryn spent two years helping Brothers of Charity in Chorley, working with profoundly disabled children, during the day and night, before deciding to persue her dream.

She uses her experience in the mental health sector to influence her work and has produced a representation of depression, featuring a cross, which she describes as "a spirtual angle on an emotional state."

She said: "Ever since I was little I've appreciated art and I've managed to cultivate my skills.

"It's been difficult working and studying at the same time.

"I also have two children aged five and three and i work in the cellar of my house because children and glass don't mix.

"My designs are totally contemporary, it's high octane stuff.

"They're really colourful and there's nothing really like them out there.

"I've done designs based on the solar system, Egyptian hieroglyphics and one of crysanthemums depicting an opulent marriage.

"Most of them are four to five foot high - mostly tall and narrow."

Kathryn was given a grant by the Get Set project run by Blackburn with Darwen Council, so she could buy her material and enroll on courses.

She studied glass staining at Preston College and is now studying carpentry and joinery at Blackburn College.

She said: "You can never stop improving.

"The frames are artistic too and they help complete the picture like a hairstyle frames a face.

"I needed to learn how to frame and fit the glass because they are too big chunks of profit.

If she is successful in launching herself in the art world, Kathryn has high hopes for the future.

She said: "I want to do structural work - to have massive walls of stained glass - there really is no limitation to size.

"I want to work with architects rather than doing little bits to sell on craft stalls."

For more information on Kathryn's work, visit www.monksstainedglass.co.uk