Flower Powers - Solo Exhibition, May 2024

During the first lockdown in 2020, I began painting flowers as a response to the challenges of the time. Daily walks provided the inspiration - particularly the flowers in other people's gardens – they were a welcome distraction from the depressing news.
I sketched and took photos on my phone, then returned home to create 'collaged paintings.'

I was also studying for an MA degree and working out how to integrate an authentic art practice into creative workshops - recognising that there was a gap between the art activities that I had delivered pre-pandemic and now within my changing art practice which is moving towards abstraction.
Lockdown highlighted the therapeutic value of the creative arts, reminding me that they are essential medicine for the soul.

The paintings in this show at Cwtsh Art Gallery, explore colour, texture, and various application techniques. Flowers emerged as a recurring theme due to their ability to uplift spirits and symbolise hope. Vases provided a contextual space to reflect on contemporary events.

After the lockdown restrictions were lifted, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Das Clarks to organise a series of creative activities and workshops with the residents of HMP Parc in Bridgend. Our focus was on exploring the role of creativity in nurturing a positive sense of identity and whether it could aid in the process of 'desistance' - the abandonment of criminal behaviour.

I expected scepticism when I asked the men if they wanted to paint flowers - but was pleasantly surprised by their positive responses. Their perspective on flowers as symbols of birth, death, and rebirth inspired me.

Witnessing their creative energy despite their challenging circumstances prompted me to reconsider my artistic process. I questioned why I made painting difficult for myself - for instance, my need to always work from a reference photo and not use memories and imagination.

Inspired by my experiences in the prison, I changed my process - not all at once, but little by little. It was challenging at first to abandon reference photos, and embrace spontaneity. This shift in mindset culminated in a breakthrough represented by a painting titled 'Energy Flows' and later developed into the Blue and Orange one shown here.

These paintings and drawings are a curated selection that reflects my ongoing exploration of materials and processes. Each piece embodies a distinct style and approach, illustrating my evolving artistic journey.