Revealing the passion: A messy, muddy, return to creating

We all know the classic opening, there is nothing wrong with that. So here we go. Buckle in.

Ever since I can remember I loved to paint, make a mess, doodle, print with my fingers, crayon everywhere. As I grew, my love to create got stronger, but to do what?

This was built upon when my father worked for a supermarket called ‘Food Giant’, where he would create all the Point of Sales, signage and advertising. I vividly remember the smell of the markers and spray mount even now, I can close my eyes and still see the neon cardboard, in massive sheets (the size of a double bed!), the calligraphy of the lettering, the numbering and how they were hung all around the store! This reinforced and lit my passion for creativity. This was what I wanted when I was older.

From there I can create some awesome things and I can get paid to do it! Fast forward through College and University where you got your first taste of what the working world was like - I just felt something missing.

9 to 5 and Studio Nights: The Dual Life of a Graphic Designer

I knew I longed to create, but I did not know what I wanted to do or where to go. All I did know was that I spend quite a lot of time on a computer (and I have seen a few, my first taste was the bubbly iMac), how things change… I began to experiment after work, in the holidays and on weekends. Starting with pencil, watercolour and acrylics, I began to do something tactile, physical, real. This became a real hobby of mine.

There is something magical, something that makes me tick, that something produces the biggest smile, makes me literally jump for joy, just like a younger me would have done. Now I had an idea, why not share this with others? Social media became a huge influence, allowing me to share a journey, my journey. And why not?

Fox Whispers and Hedgehog Rustles: My Inspiration

I started to paint whatever came into mind, not really thinking about it too much, but slowly a theme started to pop up. The beauty of nature. From Robins to Foxes, The rolling hills of Rutland, to the crashing waves of Hunstanton, or even the vast open skies of the Fens. I wanted to feel connected to that what was around me, not the mundane jobs, commute, shopping or money but the crispness of a Autumn walk, the sound of wind howling through a valley the sounds of foxes playing in the garden or the rustling of hedgehogs in the dark. Now imagine that with the fiery hues of a sunset or the deepest hues in the ocean and there you have the ultimate inspiration. My goal now, to capture that beauty, to bring it into peoples homes, to honestly create a sense of peace of tranquility. As that is what I search for.

Update 30/05: I have also found loosening up is really good for you! Not only in terms of what you apply to a canvas or piece of paper, but for, well, everything in life. I’ve really started to get into running of late. Which started in the gym, and just exploded. Always in my mind its ‘loosen up those calves’ or ‘loosen up those shoulders’ - it works! Now if anyone has a suggestion or two for loosening up the brain, give me a shout!

A few of my favourites

The major challenge for me was not only to be able to use these newer techniques I have researched and read about, but to create mood and atmosphere. I quickly discovered that every landscape, every outing and every moment in time was unique. Shifting light, weather conditions and seasons make most of these scenes fleeting. But these moments in time mean memories, parts of those fleeting moments will stick, and you will fondly remember those for all of time to come.

From Frustration to Flow: Unlocking My Artistic Confidence

Alongside these moments is another kind of challenge; patience (something a younger me never had), persistence and a willingness to let go. I personally feel like these can change a person, I have certainly had to in the past year. I would rush, try to do too much, try to do everything, as every waking minute was time I could spend productively. This lead to a massive burn out. Anyone who has experienced this in one way or another will understand the difficulties surrounding this. Without going on too much, I was broken. This forced change, a good change. The many people around me both personal and professional I will forever hold in my heart, for I could never repay those debts in which I owe.

And again, this is what it really stems down to… connection. You can never know what will happen in the future. Use this time wisely, use it to connect to those around you, connect to those moments, to those memories. Here on my website, you do not just purchase a pretty picture, some quick turnaround art or design, you are buying a piece of my soul (yup, its cheesy, but completely true), I’ll share a moment with each piece, a representation of my own personal connections to the natural world.

Beyond the post: a future of shared joy

Lastly, to wrap up this first post, this is what being an artist means to me: the connection, the sense of wonder, happiness or sadness, it transcends time. It is my privilege to share my passion with others, with you the reader, I hope whatever works come my way will continue to inspire for many years to come.