MY APPLICATION

DYCP
Arts Council England

DEVELOPING YOUR CREATIVE PRACTICE

DEVELOPING YOUR CREATIVE PRACTICE

Arts Council England

In Support of My Application

I am applying for DYCP funding to embark on a pivotal and transformative chapter in my artistic development.

This opportunity will enable me to experiment, engage in research and dialogue, develop new audiences and push the boundaries of my practice.

My focus will centre on my relationship with water through abstract painting, delving into its environmental and conceptual significance.

I will experiment and develop my art with the help of mentoring, a space to paint and peer support.

Share my work through studio visits, the Wimbledon Art Fair, newsletters, social media and blog posts

Create a new body of work to exhibit at the Chelsea Gallery in March 2026.

Develop a sustainable life-long practice with the help of business mentoring.

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Below are links that will give you more information relating to my application

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PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

 

Current Work

I am an abstract artist working with paint and mixed media, inspired by the fluid and transformative nature of water. I love the feelings and memories evoked by water and the environments it flows through. It's captivating; whether in rivers, streams and brooks, rain, ice, frost or snow. 

FALLING INTO AUTUMNS FLOW

These paintings are my latest abstract exploration of British woodlands, inspired by the meandering streams that flow through them in autumn. My creative journey began with immersive experiences, walking through forests and kayaking along rivers and canals, capturing the essence of these moments through photographs, videos, and notes.

To translate these experiences into art, I gathered my images, envisioning them in abstract form. Experimenting with shapes, colours, and compositions, I sought to evoke the warmth and vibrancy of Britain’s autumnal woodlands and streams. I’m especially captivated by the warm colours of fallen leaves drifting on water, the gentle streams weaving through twigs and roots, and the shimmering reflections that hide another world beneath the surface. The life within these waters fascinates me, darting fish, water insects, and flourishing plants at the edges and shallows. It’s a symphony of nature’s beauty, endlessly uplifting and brimming with joy.

This is just one experimental collection I’m eager to develop, but I currently lack the space to paint, store completed works, or to share them with audiences in person.


ELEMENTAL

This collection of paintings is my abstract interpretation of spring bursting into life, as the cold grayness of winter fades away.

Meandering brooks flow through vibrant woodlands teeming with fresh life; verdant foliage and the soft colours and shapes of wildflowers peeking through the undergrowth. Streams flow peacefully through these landscapes reflecting the sky, clouds, and delicate foliage; while others rush energetically, tumbling over rocks and crashing into a frenzy of spray.

Through abstract painting, I capture the vibrant interaction between nature, water and the wonderful light that springtime brings. My paintings are joyful, vivid, and full of optimism.

Elemental was exhibited at the Chelsea Gallery, Kings Road, London from the 5th to the 17th of March 2024.

Learn more about the exhibition


COMMISSION

The Small Business Research + Enterprise Centre (SBREC)

80 Basinghall Street, London, EC2V 5AG

SBREC provides a variety of meeting spaces, including the Magnolia Meeting Room.

In March 2024, Wendy Foster, one of SBREC’s dedicated business advisors, visited my Elemental exhibition at the Chelsea Gallery in Kings Road, London.

Wendy commissioned me to create bespoke pieces for the Magnolia Meeting Room, in a similar style to my Elemental paintings (see above), while working with the theme of ‘Magnolia’ to bring feelings of warmth and vibrancy to the room.

My task was to inject a sense of joy, positivity, and natural warmth into the room, transforming it from a room with no natural light and white walls that felt functional but cold into a welcoming space.

Learn more about the commission


ELEMENTAL

Art Exhibition

Last October, I organised an exhibition called Elemental and invited three artists, Yang Xu, Faye Knight, and Mee Mee Chai, to join me in a joint exhibition at the Chelsea Gallery on Kings Road, London. After several months of painting, planning, and promoting, our exhibition opened on March 5th, 2024.

Each of us draws inspiration from the beauty of nature and its interaction with the elements, which was reflected in the works we showcased. It was a rewarding experience to organise this exhibition, the private view and to exhibit my work alongside such talented artists.

I also organised a networking event for artists in collaboration with the Visual Artists Association, that took place during the exhibition.

Learn more about the Elemental Exhibition

Why I Need a Studio to Develop my Creative Practice

I currently work from my partner’s garage, 40 miles from home, and can only paint during daylight hours when the weather is dry. I also lack a secure space to store my finished pieces and am unable to invite visitors to see my studio, view my work, or observe my creative process.

Despite these challenges, I have successfully produced the paintings and exhibition above.

A professional studio will provide me with a dedicated space to explore my ideas through paint and further develop my creative practice. It will also allow me to store my work safely, welcome visitors to view my work, and be part of a vibrant artistic community, creating opportunities for collaboration and peer mentoring.

Below: my current working space

EYE OPERATION 2024

In 2018, I underwent four operations to address a detached retina, which left me with lasting issues that will never fully resolve. In June, this year, I had another significant procedure to have an implant placed in my eye, a necessary step for my vision.

Recovery has been a gradual process, and the visual difficulties have made creating art and sharing it, more challenging over the past few months. Thankfully, things are starting to improve, but I am still having problems with my vision and I know this will be something I will need to manage for some time yet.

This experience has given me a deeper appreciation for the gift of sight. I’m truly grateful for the progress I’ve made and thrilled to be diving back into my art with renewed passion! 😊

E-marketing and social media

I am currently undertaking an e-marketing course with Business For London as part of the LONDON E-Business Support Programme. This programme provides expert guidance on making better use of online marketing, digital tools and technology.

I recognise the need to strengthen my online presence, and by the end of this course (March), I will have a much clearer understanding of SEO, how various social media platforms function, and a well-defined e-marketing plan.

PREVIOUS LIFE (pre-pandemic) Photographer

THE RIVER WITHIN

Photography Exhibition

London from a kayak

Solo Exhibition at the Riverside Gallery in Richmond-Upon-Thames
2nd of September to the 16th of November 2019
Visit the Website

Ancient and contemporary London, photographed from the unique perspective of a little kayak. From between river boats and buildings to riverbed art and misty sunrises, I re-framed the familiar Thames from close to the water.

Accustomed to working in, on, and beneath the water, I guided the viewer under pontoons, through tunnels, along tributaries, and among houseboats. By sharing my close-up, water-level perspective, we experienced the evolving London skyline as it came into sharp and sometimes surprising focus.

SOLO EXHIBITION

THE RIVER WITHIN
LONDON

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