I always harp on about personal development, but recently I haven't followed my mantra. Being a creative who loves a whole host of projects I can find it difficult to focus on one kind of output. It keeps things exciting but occasionally I can find myself in a project where I question whether it's really where I want to be and what I want to do.

I was approached for one of my favourite branding projects through a separate abstract painting I created. Big up Cristina Lucia Jewellery. It was through play. Separately, one of my friends had asked for something a bit minimal to hang in his house so I took it as an opportunity to experiment with different paint brushes, collages, and palettes. There was no pressure & I was quiet so I thought I'd take my opportunity. I did however add in some punchy tones of orange. Always falling back on what excites me most. Creating warmth and out-of-this-world shapes. Stemming back to my expressions of familiarity and comfort. Essentially the experience of what makes me feel good when I look at a painting. (simplistic I know)

There were no set outcomes, no pressure to sell, just pure play and I think this should be noted for development. Whilst paid work is essential (I've gotta pay the bills) setting time aside, even if it occasionally means I sacrifice an evening slobbing out in front of the tv.

My client had seen this new piece and she had taken inspo for it for her own brand. Ironically she is of Spanish heritage and it makes me wonder if there's some unspoken visual alignment between us Latin folk. Oranges creating that warm Mediterranean feel? Organic shapes which align with her own creations. Maybe a coincidence, maybe not.

I came to the studio to start some new paintings, and even if those few hours I explored new methods and techniques. It wasn't within my normal working day, and this kind of play can often feel laced with guilt. But it's a process and I hope one day it will be part of daily practice.

I've learned that none of this is linear, especially in my thinking and approach to life. And that's okay. Just keep going, just keep playing.

Sorry for any spelling mistakes. :)

Blog

The Importance of PLAY