I’m beginning to loose track of the number of times I’ve written ‘it’s been a strange year’ but it really has! All years have their ups and downs but I think for a lot of us the past year has had more than it’s fair share of downs. However, as we move into Spring and the gradual easing of restrictions I do think things are starting to look more positive for us all. I’ve started to get my first enquiries about ‘in person’ workshops and bookings which is both exciting and a bit scary all at once. It’s been so long I’m not sure I can remember how this all works! As things become more likely to actually go ahead I’ll start sharing them on my social media and website.
Free motion embroidery on silk organza
I also have a ‘real life’ exhibition planned for May and at the moment it’s looking positive for it going ahead. It will be at Eskdale Muir Community Hub and I’m really looking forward to showing my work in such a beautiful location. I’ve been busy working on some new pieces for the show including some drawings and new textile pieces. I’ll also be showing some of the work I created for my last exhibition at WWT Caerlaverock which sadly didn’t get as many visitors as hoped because of the lock downs.
We’ve probably all spent a lot more time online than usual and like many creatives over the past year I’ve had to change and adapt how I work so that I can reach people digitally. For a while I’ve been working on setting up a Patreon page and I’ve just launched it into the world. Patreon allows people to support creatives by making regular monthly financial payments in return for rewards; for my patrons these rewards range from gratitude, to digital postcards right up to original art works. I’d love you to have a look at my page and tell me what you think.
Pen, ink and collage
One of the ups of the last year is that we’ve had a bit more time to notice the changing of the seasons and to enjoy the cycles of nature. At this time of year it’s exciting to see all the things starting to unfurl, each day there’s a new bud or leaf or blossom to admire. I’ve been out with my sketchbook quite a bit capturing some of these small moments and taking time to just notice and appreciate what’s around me.
Drawing is a great way to take a bit of mindful time out, to focus on what you’re doing and to enjoy the moment. Drawing something really heightens your observational skills and helps you really ‘see’ and appreciate things. I’d highly recommend you give it a go, it doesn’t really matter what your drawing looks like, enjoy the process and if you keep at it you will find your drawing skills will improve very quickly.
Here’s hoping that next time I write to you I’ll be giving you lots of dates and events but in the meantime I hope you’re finding ways to stay creative!
