In August last year Helen and I began woking together and shortly after, Helen (The Art Buyer) curated a wonderful end of summer show at her gallery in Thames Ditton.
Halcyon Days ran from 23rd September to 8th November 2023 and featured work from artists Debbie Lawrence, Jane Kell, Dorothy Hanna, Sophie Harding, Yuliya Martynova, James Nunn, David Storey, Rebecca Tucker and me.
The paintings that I showed for Halcyon Days were gouache on paper; Feature Wall, Night Light and Greenhouse on Acid. The works exhibited were all beautifully finished by Forest Frames in St Ives white wood frames.
Feature Wall sold to a lovely collector and we produced a commission for a gouache tiger painting with a similar focus on pattern with more greens and botanicals shortly after.
At the time I began discussing plans with Helen, my Aunty Geraldine was very sick and shortly after we began planning, she passed away. I did not want to talk about it. I did not want to engage in social media or promote my work. I did nothing on my website (which could have done with some serious attention). Neglect became my norm and I decided to save what little energy I had for painting. Work was being done on our house so it was easy enough to hide behind this excuse and my busy life.
Newsletters were a stretch too far. As I found myself saying “celebrate your successes” to a friend recently. I reflected on what I celebrated last year (not a-lot) and what had I shared? Some of the completed work and the occasional timelapse of the paintings coming together on instagram? The occasional sale? Other peoples posts? Sharing your success can feel awkward and draining. Thought is required. Thought can be tiring. It’s no secret that websites are hard work, take constant maintenance and a lot of thought.
Painting largely became my therapy, my escape from my thoughts – or perhaps a way to order them. Reflect more gently in a safer space. That was how it was for a while and though I’ve known I should probably think about sharing more about my news, my process and my inspiration on my website. I found it increasingly hard to find the right words and settle on any one idea. Somehow sharing the work on instagram does not feel like it exposes me to vulnerability but talking about it on my website does. (This makes no sense surely?) I find this the hardest part – talking about my work. Talking about me. I don’t like to take myself too seriously, but I’m fine with taking the work seriously and there is so much more to say. So lets give it a go. Whats the worst that could happen after all?!
Almost a year later I am playing catch up. I heard recently that being grateful is a useful temporary distraction from fear. That you cannot be both grateful and fearful at the same time. This has certainly has helped me through some difficult times but maybe I didn’t tell those people involved?
So, thank you Helen for the opportunity to share my work alongside some incredible artists, that I never imagined I would exhibit with. Thanks also to the lovely collectors who allow me the opportunity to make more work. I am eternally grateful for your support and interest. Without you, I am just in therapy.
These last two pieces (shown above) of Night Light and Greenhouse on Acid are available to purchase through The Art Buyer.
