I must say that at first I found the idea of talking about myself a little overwhelming, however, while I was examing each question carefully and trying to think about the most honest answer, I realised that this whole process was what I needed to help me see more clearly where I am standing at this very moment of my creative career.
My practice is currently split into two different ways of making, this enables me to channel in a more organised and flexible manner my ideas and skills, while reaching out to different audiences. One is based on the very core of my studies and research; it is characterised by my abstract 'paint drop' stitching technique, which I refer to as 'proper art'. The other way of making brings out a more commercial, fun and accessible - in terms of image - side of my practice.
I find that what the two have in common, not in equal measures of course, is craft. This reflects my own approach to making, which aims to create unique original pieces, no matter how small or big these are on the art charts.
Since moving to Bristol, I felt a different energy around various art practices. Everyone is an artist here, everybody makes things, everybody communicates in their own made-up language. I was lost in this for a while, I was questioning myself and what I had achieved. I felt like I had to reinvent myself and I was afraid of disappointing or disconnecting from all the people who understood or, rather, 'got' my work and where I was trying to go with it, but I had to step back from that and take these responsibilities and all their weight off my shoulders. For the first time since my academic years, I set out to learn again with an open (and much lighter) mind via what I considered another unknown long and winding route, which initially took me away from my real goals and ambitions. If , for the time being, I could make money from selling greeting cards and small versions of what slightly resembled my bigger works and ideas, at least, I thought, I would keep my creativity alive and so my dreams, that's how True Icon Designs was born.
I was told that no one should compromise their art for the sake of accomodating it more comfortably and safely within the city they live in, but that's what I have done, because I feel that our art is shaped by our experiences and perception of the immediate surroundings. By embracing and accepting this, I have become more engaged with the place I live in and I have come to fully appreciate my abilities to work in different ways. Also, I have identified the key elements that may be crucial to take my 'proper art' up a few notches.
I have found new inspiration, freedom and determination...and, not to mention, I have sold!
Talking about the different parts that make up my art world has helped me see it in a different light, a more calm and diffused one.
Here are a few more shots, not included in the interview, which show my small studio and myself working away...
The heart in this picture is now sold, but I am working on similar designs :-)
