How the Wonky Artist painted her way back to happiness after tragedy

At 23 years old, Rachel Smith Ruffle’s life took an unexpected and devastating turn. While enjoying a day at the beach on Réunion Island, a powerful freak wave sent her crashing headfirst into a sandbank.

The impact broke her neck, leaving her paralysed and confined to a wheelchair. Doctors told her she would never walk again.

But Rachel’s story is not one of defeat. Instead, it’s one of resilience, rediscovery, and the unexpected healing power of art.

The Wonky Artist

Reflecting on that day, Rachel, who lives in Sale, remembers the disbelief and shock that followed. “It was quite a difficult time. My best friend had actually come out to visit me that same day and ended up saving my life,” she shared. After a 27-hour air ambulance flight, she returned to the UK to begin her long road to recovery.

Despite the physical limitations, Rachel’s spirit remained indomitable. She went on to drive again, marry, become a mother, build a home, and travel. She faced every challenge with resilience. But in 2018, life presented her with yet another test.

A severe pressure sore left her bedridden for 15 months. Doctors warned her she might never leave her bed again. “It was a very dark time,” she recalled. “I was only a shadow of my former self.” Antidepressants and psychiatric support became a part of her daily life. It seemed as though her spirit had dimmed.

Until one day, her husband arrived with an unexpected gift: a simple set of watercolour paints.

Discovering your inner artist

At first, Rachel scoffed.“I thought it was ridiculous since I’d never painted in my life,” she laughed. Yet, with time on her hands and the need for distraction, she gave it a try.

Lying on her side, she used both hands to guide the brush, adjusting for her limited grip. “The first thing I painted was a pot of lavender, and it was really rubbish,” she admitted. But each day, she returned to her paints. Slowly, something beautiful emerged. Rachel’s art reflected her resilience: colourful, bold, and unapologetically imperfect.

“I called myself the ‘Wonky Artist’ jokingly because I had to paint while lying flat on my side. When I finally sat up, I realised everything sloped a bit. That’s how the name stuck, and now people love it!”

Emerging as an artist

Rachel started showcasing her creations on Facebook and Instagram. The response was overwhelming. Commissions began pouring in, and her Instagram following grew to over 10,000 people.

“Painting gave me a purpose when I felt I had none,” she said. “It reminded me that even when life isn’t perfect, it can still be beautiful.”

Rachel regularly shows her work at makers artists – check out here website here for more information.

The support from family, friends, and her wider community was invaluable. “People would send me messages saying my art brightened their day. One lady with a brain tumour told me my paintings brought her joy and hope. Knowing I’ve made an impact like that is incredible.”

Her online presence has not only brought her opportunities as an artist but has also allowed her to connect with people from around the world. “I’ve made connections with people in Australia, America, and across Europe. Some of them write to me regularly, and that kind of connection is invaluable.”

Motivational speaking

Today, Rachel continues to paint, her artwork finding homes far and wide. Each piece tells a story: a brilliant showcase of resilience, hope, and the joy of discovering new passions. But beyond her art, Rachel has set her sights on something even more powerful: using her voice to inspire others.

“I’m hoping to start doing some motivational speaking.

“I want to relay my story and reach out to others. Please share it with people in your life who may benefit from learning about my journey. Let’s keep reaching out: because when we do, others feel less alone in their own journeys,” she added.

Her experiences have taught her to savour life’s simplest moments. A philosophy she now carries with her every day. Rachel recalled the first time she left her hospital bed after 15 months of immobility.

“I wheeled my way down just outside the hospital ward to a window, and the grass outside was covered in beautiful, yellow daffodils,” she said with a smile.

“It was a simple sight, but it was everything. A reminder of how precious those little joys can be.”

For Rachel, those daffodils became a symbol of renewal and gratitude. “Going forward, one of my main goals is to remember to appreciate life’s very simple pleasures,” she said.

“They’re mostly free and widely available: we just have to train ourselves to notice them and take a moment before moving on to our next bit of busyness.”

Dreams for the future

Rachel’s aspirations are as exciting as her artwork. “I would love to get into galleries,” she said. “Manchester would be a great starting point since people love local stories. Having my own exhibition at a gallery would be a dream come true.”

Do you know a location could showcase her work? email thom@ilovemanchester.com

She also hopes to expand her reach as a speaker, encouraging others to overcome their own challenges. “In my wildest dreams, I’d love to do pop-up galleries and share my work even further.”

Her goal isn’t personal success but to continue inspiring others. “I want people to see my paintings and remember that joy can be found even in the darkest times.”

A life of colour

Rachel’s story is a powerful reminder that even in through bad times, creativity and resilience can lead to profound healing. Her art is a celebration of perseverance and joy.

From her ‘rolling throne’, Rachel continues to create, inspire, and uplift. She is, without a doubt, a true embodiment of the beauty that can arise from even the most unexpected circumstances.

So, the next time you feel like the world has turned upside down, think of Rachel Smith Ruffle, The Wonky Artist. Because sometimes, the most beautiful things in life are born from the unexpected.

To follow Rachel’s journey and explore her artwork, visit her website by clicking here