As a youngster I was pretty enthusiastic about art. As a teen I did pencil sketches of my favourite rock stars, John Taylor of Duran Duran, The Tompson Twins , Midge Ure. They weren’t bad for a 16 year old. I never, however studied art at O level or beyond. The teacher changed, I lost confidence, I was academic so I studied the sciences and maths. I became an an office worker, accounts, credit control, reconciliations, payroll. I was good at it and even enjoyed the companies I worked at. But I longed to be creative.
I would theme my sons bedrooms. As a baby he had prime colours and rainbows. As a kid he had space rockets and stars. As an older teen – red/black bold daring. I took to gardening for creative release too.
When we moved to our rose tinted life here in Wales I remember telling John that I the artist in me would show itself.
I joined a local art group and developed some techniques and confidence. I took on a few pet portrait commissions and took photos photos of local trees and copses and rivers using them to develop techniques of shadows, light flow and reflection.
I learned how to blend the paints and more recently to introduce texture.
I went on a course to learn stained glass techniques and found it interesting how with glass I had to consider more abstract and pattern use to suggest texture and mood. I designed a several panels for our front door – making up a little ‘storyboard’. and then in our ‘space’ themed bathroom, instead of obscure glass , i designed a panel based on a Whirlpool Galaxy
Whether I’m any ‘good’ at it, I don’t know. Ii do know its an obsession, I can’t stop. It moves me and drives me. Whether people will like them, enjoy them or respond to them – I guess that’s down to the individual.
What is art? We all have a different view on the subject. If art is the reproduction of a vista/person/object so it is hard to differentiate between whether its a photo or painting , then I guess I’m not very good. But is it a row of coloured dots, an unmade bed, a dead sheep in formaldehyde? If art is anything that makes you think or creates an emotional response then all of life is art. Scientific discovery is art, construction, destruction, making, baking…. everything is ART.
I am so excited to be part of a two month exhibition at The Wyeside Arts Centre. My first ever proper exhibition. Alongside 6 other artists we explore under the title “On Reflection” – I’ve created 8 pieces, interpreting of space-scapes and sky-scapes in partnership with sentimental quotes that strive to capture the expanse and potential of our existence.
So I sit at home, with my partner John. ever encouraging and happy for me to follow my less-ordinary dream . I paint, I cut glass, I solder, I blog, I garden. I create. Its my art and its a bonus if others enjoy it too. I hope some of you do.
And, if you happen to be in the Builth Wells area of Wales on 1st May between 6:30 and 8:30 you can join me and the other artists at the preview of our joint exhibition. I’d love to meet you x
