Lessons in a launch

I used to think that my creativity would hold me back in my communications career.

“Make this pretty,” they said.

I now realise that my creativity wasn’t holding me back. I was holding me back. I was meant to make things BEAUTIFUL.

I am launching my new dream art business after sitting on it for 25 years. It’s not like I haven’t been drawing, painting and creating this whole time. I have just been drawing and creating brands for other people. And that is ok! It is good practice. Kind of like a first marriage.

I am not kidding myself, I will still be creating art for people, but not in the same way…I never really been honest and said out loud,

“I am an artist.”

I’ve always followed the safer route and worked in an agency setting, working toward a creative brief and executing integrated branding campaigns, moving communities to act for a climate advocacy programme, or launching a US government agency.

Being brave and honest is a lot harder.

Coordinating and managing a publicly broadcasted event, ensuring all IT is functioning, finalising slides, talking points and speeches, securing PR, and hosting an afterparty at the National Archives for every federal agency and three Supreme Court Justices (and their US Marshalls)? No problem! I could do that anonymously. I can do all of my work anonymously. I could do it exceptionally well, but I didn’t have to take the risks I am taking now.

I am creating wearable art.

That’s it. That’s the post.

I consider all of the work I’m displaying in the gallery to be artwork, which is why I call it wearable art.

I went to see my incredible dress maker today for a fitting. I’ve designed the fabric not only for the scarves, but for my clothing. I have also framed the artwork that forms the basis and inspiration for my dress.

I’ve painted the 90 x 90 cm artwork below — which is the same size of many of my scarves) to demonstrate the process of how my hand painted work begins and is then transformed into a scarf. This is a one-of-a-kind work reflects the core of my artistic practice: transforming personal narrative into wearable, meaningful art.

This is also my crazy studio in full prep mode:

Make it stand out

Originally hand-painted on archival paper, the design was developed as a visual diary—capturing moments, memories, charms and symbols — from my life. Botanical illustrations of wildflowers from my garden and local area reference both the natural world and the landscapes tied to family, heritage, and growth.

The inclusion of wildflower motifs in my work are also a reference to having agency as a woman, a really busy working mother, an entrepreneur, and a feminist working in the fields of tech, government and communications for 25 years. It’s been a journey.

These floral references are also a call to action, encouraging us to actively support female founders, to invest in us and to lift women up in their lives, which is intended to create a more equal and just society for all.

A butterfly represents the transformative time living in Morocco, doves representing and reminding us of peace for women and girls, and books signal lifelong learning. I’ve included mushrooms that my children and I regularly search for on our walks, whether we are on holiday in the Isle of Wight, Cornwall, Devon or the South Coast — but always on the beach or near a boat. My favourite yellow fountain pen is prominently featured, as I favour black pen and ink when I draw and tend not to use a pencil when I sketch out my work. I enjoy the process of living in the moment and viewing the bold lines of the ink when my final work is printed. Yep that’s me, living on the edge.

Embedded in the print are vintage sunglasses I discovered in Greenwich on holiday with old friends, as well as my second-hand jewellery treasures and a vintage handbag, which are all also a nod to circularity and sustainability. Most of my clothes are vintage, hand made, or second hand. For the past year I have not purchased anything new.

I’ve repainted this piece to be printed sustainably into a repeating pattern on silk (above) and tailored into a flowing gown, made by my friend Felicity Westmacott. It is a reflection on art, memory, and my identity.

I believe that what we wear isn’t ALL about fashion.

I am capturing and sharing identity and authentic personal style. I like to think that we are all storytellers in our own way. We aren’t just one thing. As a really busy mom and entrepreneur, I help clients with complex marketing, branding, comms and PR issues. I draw and I illustrate. And I hand paint clothes and design fabric. I weave all of this into my art. For me, I am telling my clients’ stories, sharing their values and expressing it all in a very personal and meaningful way.

Be sure to join me for the launch and viewing of my work, with exclusive insights into the collection, live demonstrations, and one-on-one conversations with the artist. Limited availability on Friday 25-26 April at Great Pulteney Street Gallery.

Friday:
Private Viewing for Invited Guests and Press: 12pm to 4pm Drinks Reception and Celebration: 5pm to 8:30pm

Saturday:
Open Day 10-5pm