Each drawing represents specific stages in my life and career; there are many moments that reflect the actuality of being an artist, these are unlimited and can be invisible if left unvisited. The moments I have chosen to represent are not necessarily the most important ones but the ones that I have found the most emotionally powerful when defining myself as an artist. I have found it hard to say ‘I am an artist’ whilst at the same time doing nothing else of value, so it is interesting to explore what an artist might expect as they spend their days working their trade. The first and most powerful element of being an artist is to produce a body of work, a body that represents your expression of creativity, and if possible, a recognizable theme or ‘seam’ of fascination or interest. The ‘Artist Makes the work’ drawing represents this very action. Without my central presence, I do not exist, I don’t have a factory that innovates and produces work; if I am not doing it, it isn’t happening. The piece represents the incredibly compelling state of production and action in the exploration of my craft and areas of interest; to be an artist you must ‘make the work’, execute the idea, formulate the concept or theory, and so on. It is about achieving an autotelic state in which I can truly say, I lose time, I am doing what I am doing, and doing it without external or apparent purpose other than the purpose of personal need.
Another piece in the collection is titled ‘An exhibition’. An exhibition is an incredible and emotional event in any artist’s career, an ‘in’ joke also describes the tension and pressure the artist feels when preparing for a show, - ‘nothing motivates an artist like an exhibition deadline’. It’s true, it can also accelerate the development of a different or new and untested technique. It is generally a period of rapid production and stress. There is a cycle to life as a practicing artist, the search for inspiration, reflection and trials, a period of intense production, then self-doubt and the need for a further questioning and possibly reassurance, and then finally an exhibition. The exhibition reflects the artist’s intent and marks the time they are ready to open themselves up to public scrutiny. My first serious exhibition was my degree show, my whole self, my reputation among my peers and tutors was on the line. This is a pressure that has been reaffirmed as I re-dedicated myself to my passion in 2018. An exhibition is a public statement of your intention, you are saying ‘out loud’ that I am presenting myself as and artist, I am saying I have something I’d like you to see and consider. You can be an artist and never exhibit but it is rare, the exhibition is an essential and amazing opportunity for an artist to get feedback, to grow and develop their technique and incredibly importantly make some money!
Other pieces include ‘The dedicated supporter’, another essential element of being an artist is to have support, someone who comes to every event, exhibition, or launch, someone who believes in you and your talent. ‘
‘The First Serious Collector’ reflects the excitement when someone invested in my work, and they purchase more than one piece. This was a serious discussion and amazing moment when the gallery representative told me this exchange had occurred. I cannot describe how that felt other than the most intense excitement I have ever felt.
The other underlying theme of this work is also to highlight the importance and versatility of the pencil when expressing ideas and thoughts. The pencil enables the user to write, doodle or draw without the fear of making a mistake. A pencil mark can be replaced, redrawn, or removed completely.
