Last weekend I had the treat of joining a whole ‘army’ of artists all painting together at a music festival. There was over 70 artists - young and old, professionals and newbies, with a breadth of style and medium all gathered in a big blue tent in the middle of a field in West Sussex.

Being an abstract artist my artwork is very much inspired by music and dance, so soaking in this type of creatively encouraging atmosphere, being able move and express myself without inhibition gives way to a heightened focus on the creative process, over the need for a certain outcome or specific result.

I actually consider this festival as my birthplace as an artist - 5 years ago I turned up never having painted on a canvas before with lots of fear, lots of hang ups and lots of enthusiasm. And I’ve never looked back!

Cambridge Open Studios has been and gone for another year and I thought I’d share something of it for those who weren’t able to come and visit.

A little introduction for those who don’t know - Cambridge Open Studios runs for 4 weekends in July each year, across the city and surrounding area. Each weekend I choose to take part (this year it was the 2nd and 3rd w/e) I open my home and studio space to the public from 11 am - 6pm each day.

I transform the downstairs of my home (my lounge and kitchen) into an exhibition, displaying my art and art products on every wall and surface area I can find!
Then I distribute fliers, shout about it on social media and wait to see who comes.

It’s always such a privilege to see how many people pop in to take a look - this year I had 160 visitors over the 2 weekends. Whether they are just passing and see the balloons, have chosen me as part of a list of places in the area for the day or have specifically decided to come to see my work, I don’t take it lightly, when there are 300+ other artists also taking part around the city.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to share what I do with people - to show where I work, to talk about my process and to hear what people think. Here are some of the comments I heard or that I found written in my visitors book this time round.