Time Out

13/08/21

I haven’t been at the studio very much recently as I’m allowing myself a much needed break to enjoy the Summer and take stock. I contracted Covid in July and after 10 days of isolating at home alone, felt a strong pull to connect with others and to give myself some time and space away from the studio to enjoy the many other things in my life that give me joy.

I’ve had a very productive 7 months, where I’ve been in full flow with my work and whilst this has felt fabulous and allowed me to understand myself and my practice in new ways, I now feel the need to open myself back up again to new experiences, people and places, as it’s these things that feed me and ultimately inform my work.

Last week I traveled back to Dorset to see my family and spent time walking, drawing and sea swimming. I’ve also been to a couple of music festivals with friends and to dance, laugh and camp under the stars again, after such a long time, made me feel fully alive and my heart full.

My creative practice has always had a natural ebb and flow and I know that come September I will embrace the ‘back to school’ feeling I associate with that time and will return to the studio with a spring in my step.

I used to feel guilt for taking time out, but now realise that this is a vital part of my process that allows me to sustain a healthy and vibrant practice. Creativity isn’t formulaic and taking time away from my usual environment allows things to percolate which I believe will lead to more powerful and interesting work down the line. x