CREATIVE INTEGRITY
As 2024 is rapidly coming to it’s end, not only is it a busy time but also a time for reflection. I find myself reviewing my progress and what I have managed to achieve.
As creative soul, often stimulated by what I see, it is easy to get distracted by other artists and discovering new methods for creative expression. In the infancy stage of my process, I was often influenced by the style and competency of other artists. which naturally left me feeling like a fake! Yet I was so eager to move on as an artist and find my own style.
Many artists often struggle with this plight and can unknowingly become a creative copycat from scrolling on Pintrest & Instagram. I like to view it as a compliment, if artists like myself are inspired by other artists. Yet I know deep down, that I yearn to express myself creatively with authenticity, integrity and with my own creative language and style.
This year has been a turning point for me, even though I am still at the early stages of my creative journey ahead, I am learning to trust my process, to listen to my inner guide and to really focus on what I love and want to paint. Not trying to paint what I think others might like, simply indulging in what I feel drawn to and what excites me creatively!
In doing so, my process is taking me on a journey that I would never have predicted. Creating pieces that I would not have imagined me making 5 years ago, when I first began. I am a woman who loves colour but I am enjoying using more dark colours and black in my work. I also recognise that the more I do, the more I want to carry on and carve out time to paint in my busy life. My painting practise has become an act of creative mindfulness, where I loose myself in the process and don’t worry about anything else that is not related.
I have learnt the practice of reworking an old piece that either didn’t work or was left unfinished. Giving it new life and a turning it into a piece that is upgraded to my current style of painting and re-energised with new techniques.
I am looking forward to what 2025 will bring, as 2024 has been a fruitful year for me. I have enjoyed exhibiting this Autumn in Clifton, Bristol at Huw Gallery, where my work has been really well received and sold a new series to a lovely collector. I have a exciting commission to complete, developed my print collection and introduced my photography too.
So next year I hope to delve deeper, keep learning and pushing my skills through courses and exploration. Also to develop the scope of how my paintings can be used with textiles!
Cant wait, so watch this space!