September 2018

I’ve never really written a blog post before, but reckoned that the first one should probably just give a little context about my work and me. The word ‘artist’ makes me squirm a little whenever I mention it in relation to myself but I can’t think of a better word for what I’m doing! When I say ‘painter’ people usually think painter/decorator and I like ‘creative’ even less than artist, so I’m just going to give artist a try for now.

I’ve reached a point in my life where it’s about time that I finally do something about my career situation. I’ve never really had a career as such or ever felt particularly career driven, but I did [naively] imagine that graduate opportunities would open up to me and a good job would be within relatively easy grabs after Uni. (I didn’t study art although upon reflection I’m not really sure why as it was always my favourite subject.) But as with so many other graduates, the offer of a super-duper Graduate Scheme never materialised and actually finding fulfilling paid work is really bloody hard! So, since graduating in 2009 I’ve really just bounced from job to job, both here in the UK and in New Zealand. I’ve been putting off doing anything with my artwork for years now, always finding excuses why I can’t do it yet; I don’t have enough work to sell, the next one will be better, the work’s not good enough, I don’t have the time or money to invest, blah blah blah. I’ve dipped my toe into the world of becoming an artist and it actually went pretty well. I developed a stylised way of painting; ‘simplified definition’ is one way to describe it I guess. I used to paint in a more tradition style but I prefer my other style, it’s more fun. I’ve sold paintings through galleries, been commissioned for many pieces and designed a couple of logos for friends’ businesses, but I’ve never devoted all my efforts to it. It’s only ever really been a side line. But what I’ve realised recently is that I don’t want to die without having ever properly given it a go. Forgive the cliché, but life is short and life as we know it can change in an instant, so I’d better make the most of it now. If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out but at least I would’ve tried. I’ve really got nothing to lose now, so I may as well have a go and see what happens.

Art is totally subjective and so I understand that a piece of work that I enjoy you may think is lame and vice versa. That’s the beauty of art! However, if you do like my work enough to want to commission me to paint something for you or if you’d like to buy a print/card of one of my images, please do give me a shout. I’m still in the process of sorting everything out and putting plans together but I’d be delighted to hear from you if you have any queries or just want to make contact. I’m taking orders for Christmas so get in quick if you’re keen.

I’m working on a new series right now, called Simon P. I’m painting from a photo that my boyfriend, Iwan, took of our favourite local pheasant in the garden, who we’ve subsequently called Simon (of course). The expression on his face in the photo cracks me up every time, so I’m really enjoying playing around with it.