Exploring art in UK lockdown #3

Time is a gift, is the message from last week's meditation. You knew that already, though. It's me that does the galloping through life and needs to keep reminding me to slow up.

Thankfully, months of intentional quiet contemplation and getting my energy back have repurposed me, much like the materials I'm now using for my art. I came into 2021 knowing it would probably be a continuation of last year, but for me without the same chaos and heightened drama. 2021 is definitely going to be a very different kind of year, one of change, perfect in a 5 year (Numerology: 2+0+2+1).

I am much calmer, which allows me to fully focus on art and creating. New Year always brings a declutter in my weeny studio space, probably to fit in the new stuff I got for Christmas! With lockdown #3 upon us and no current tip journeys to recycle stuff, I'm sifting through what I found in the loft when I put the tree away to see what I might do creatively with cardboard, ring binders, plastic wallets, musty old books and wooden panels from a garden planter.

I've been working on an entry for the new series coming later this month of Grayson Perry's Art Club. My entry for 'family' is probably a mile away from many and in a very different style to usual. The link for the show is below for you.

Exploring different styles is something I've been wary of despite all my talk of experimenting. Heading into this journey I had way too much going on and was advised my works looked like mixed messages so I faithfully stuck to my inks and watercolours. Yet those new Christmas gifts – tools and art equipment – have caught me straying.

I'd like to keep you informed of what I'm up to because the inks have not been getting out as much (just like me at this time!) so I'm setting up a new page on this site for works in progress, which will be up shortly. Hopefully! Since the new year we've been having issues with network speed and I've not been able to get onto my website, the bonus of which has meant more painting and less tinkering on how things look after the years of training with brand image.

If you have signed up to my newsletter (if not do so now for some exclusive artwork and freebies!) the January edition just went out and I apologise it's getting later, February will be an adjustment. Though sometimes it's nice to look back on the month reflectively as a whole.

Grayson Perry's Art Club submission page.