Our definition of innovation is constantly being striked, bringing us the fear that If our creative process is not edgy enough, we are left behind by the art world as failed, out-of-date ones. This fear makes being honest with your inner world something that requires a lot of courage.

It’s important to keep in mind that even in a sea of rejection, making art is what makes us who we are and if that is enough you are unstoppable! Keep applying, keep creating, and think about how you can organize your own artist opportunities through your communities as well.

Discover your strengths and unique talents, and consistently work on enhancing your skills. Secondly, don't hesitate to decline opportunities that don't align with your goals. By doing so, you'll free up time to concentrate on your art and chosen projects.

Try to do something that will catch people’s eye, as well as be skilfully painted. It’s hard to be original, almost everything’s been done before………….. But NOT everything!

Never give up, believe in yourself, and relentlessly pursue your ideas and goals. That's exactly what I did, putting in hard work and spending countless hours in my studio to experiment with materials, practice various techniques, and develop ideas. It's crucial to always critically assess your own work – What can I do better?

You’re the master in your own studio. You’re in charge, not the graphite, not the pastels, not the paint. You must tell ‘it’ what to do, not the other way around. You know you’re good at this so just create.

Approach every piece of painting with an open heart and be prepared to end up with something different to what was set out, think of every project as a learning opportunity.

If making art is what you want to do long term, I think the most important thing is to continually and consistently keep creating work, even when you don’t feel like it. There are many times

Become a part of the community. Life is all about relationships and connections. Surround yourself with other artists and mentors who can support you through your journey.

Embrace experimentation and growth. Stay open to new techniques, ideas, and critiques. Your journey as an artist is a continuous evolution—enjoy the process and let it shape your unique artistic voice.

I have watched a wax sculpture melt in the heat which was upsetting. Apart from that, sometimes what initially is perceived as a failure, i.e. not what I set out to do, does move my sculpture on. This happens regularly, it is an expectation every time I go to the studio. Sometimes I leave something I am really happy with it and see a massive glitch when I next go in. Two steps forward and often one step back.

Don’t be intimidated to reach out to mentors and seek guidance from other artists that have walked before you. There is always something to learn from another perspective and experience that you can apply to your own work.

My art is generally a non-objective intellectual exercise in puzzle solving…assembling and balancing the pieces to find a “comfortable” or “comfortably uncomfortable” compositional pose.

With my work, I hope to communicate the feeling of preserving warmth and hope through creativity and self-expression, despite the feeling of unshakable melancholy. I hope to convey the feeling that as long as there is at least a small spark of creativity and hope alive in me, I could always recover and blossom anew.

Although I have been creating art my entire life, oil paints were a medium that intimidated me. It seemed like there were so many tools, chemicals, brushes, mediums, solvents, and techniques that it felt overwhelming. I didn’t start using oils until the Covid 19 pandemic. As soon as I started painting, I realized that I had been missing out on a very satisfying and rewarding medium. I know I could be a much better painter now if I started years earlier when I had the first inclinations.

I would have been happy to receive at the beginning of my artistic journey the advice to listen more to my inner voice and less to the voices of different people who tried to help me navigate my path forward and influence my choices. During my current state, I believe that it is of great significance for each artist to turn the spotlight on creating art he truly connects with and not let other considerations become disturbing noises. This is of great importance in fueling the artist's passion and maximizing his creative potential.

In my view, it is important for artists to maintain a curated list of galleries, residencies, art prizes, and grants that resonate with their artistic practice. By doing so, artists can align their aspirations and intentions with these opportunities. It is crucial to embrace the application process without being discouraged by the outcome. I think ultimately, the journey of creating art and deepening one's understanding of their own practice is the true essence of artistic pursuit. 

Definitely do your research. There are so many opportunities out there and it’s really easy to spend a lot of money on them if you apply to everything you see without properly checking it out first. For example, take a look at the artists that have been successful previously. If they’re all producing large, modern abstracts and you’re producing miniature drawings, perhaps this isn’t the opportunity for you. Other than being selective about what you put yourself forward for, my main advice would be to believe in yourself. Never hold back from applying because you think you’re not good enough, or that you haven’t got enough experience.

I wish I had realized earlier that my potential is limitless and the biggest obstacle in the way is myself. I learned over time, and am continuing to learn, that I need to get my life in order and not let fear be a ruler over me. If I lack certain knowledge or skills, I can’t pretend they aren’t important to develop or wait around for someone to give them to me. I have to go out, hunt it down, and struggle until they becomes a part of me. 

My journey has been a circuitous one, but it has provided me with a wealth of experiences, spiritual insights, and a heightened desire to create art that connects with others. With each stroke of the brush, I strive to reach the depths of human emotions and touch the souls of those who encounter my work.