designwithflair

I have been working on and off on this piece for years! Through lockdown...my MFA. It is aptly titled 'sometimes there is a pause' because it is definitely time for this piece to vacate the studio.

My recent visit to Lagos Island was enlightening. It moves to its own beat.

just my brain resetting....nothing to worry about....learning to flow with it!

For so long...I have struggled with derealisation....it was just something I kept to myself.

It can be tempting to work in isolation....but ....collaborating is such a great learning curve!

Possibly relating to childhood trauma....I first experienced derealisation as a teenager....it has been a constant 'companion' ever since. I used to be petrified whenever I 'glitch'....thought it was a precursor to 'locked-in syndrome' and I wouldn't be able to find 'my way back'. But now I know it's my brain 'resetting' itself....finding ways to all...

Preparing for my MA Finals in Fine Art....exploring ideas....

I have a love-hate relationship with commissions. They are fun to take on....a little bit because of the growth potential. However I am an avid 'slow maker'...just love to enjoy the process. Definitely learning about time management through commissions...

I recently visited the Museo Picasso in Barcelona. It was such an experience...a reminder of how not to be too precious when creating...but to have fun playing and experimenting.

Oh my days! What a vibe! I absolutely loved the RA Summer Exhibition this year...it was so more-ish. Unfortunately I attended on the very last day! Kicking myself! I could have seen it at least 5 or 6 times. Delighted I went even though it was on the last day....

It's been a bit of a whirlwind....between studies, my day job and 'daughter' duties (been caring for my elderly mum)...I have barely had any time to go to my 'happy place' studio! Just being in the studio yesterday was so cathartic! It is so nice to catch a breather in the hustle and bustle. Self care is so important!

It is possible to let an idea take form in the mind's eye...come to life without the urgency of execution. I am beginning to experience first hand the benefits of letting an idea take form...let it blossom in my head as I enjoy the process of gathering the material I need to execute my idea. I'm learning that pacing myself is part of a very mindful creative process. Allowing an idea to tak...

Working to course deadlines can be so overwhelming...I found my most recent course module physically and mentally tasking. I may not have realised how burnt out I was at the time ....going full throttle as adrenaline kicked in. It took me weeks to recover!

I'm nervous!!!! I get the jitters when I'm working on a project...and a deadline is approaching. Right now...I feel I just maybe spreading myself a bit thin....but really that's just the jitters talking. I do have a lot on though...print party coming up....need to plan collaboration with two libraries....aaaahhhhh!!! All the while, preparing for an exhibition next month...trying to kee...

When prepping for an exhibition...making a maquette is always my starting point alongside sketches of course! But....it is so easy to get stuck on the maquette making circuit...well for me it is. I need to focus on prepping by creating artwork...rather than making models of the artwork....or do I? Isn't making maquettes at least 80% of the work done....because you have a tested idea of what wo...

I find exhibition prep both exhausting and exhilarating....there is a rush...a buzz and burnout! Really excited about this new project....a module required as part of my MA Fine Art....'Collaborative Practice'. I plan to keep you updated on my progress....so stay tuned for more content. Now let tell you all about my prep....

Are you a songwriter? Or have you ever tried or wanted to write a song? I doff my hat to you if you are a songwriter or an aspiring songwriter. Such a big topic...I barely did it justice..chatting to a colleague at a lounge in the Tate Modern, because there was so much background noise! Tell the truth...I would chat to him again ....he is so knowledgeable and a true discipline to his craft. Apolog...

As curious as I am about running....I'm not really a runner...at the moment. Sometimes it looks like fun....marathons seem so communal and engaging..bringing people together. But the idea of pounding gravel is so daunting...to me. Here I chat with three people at different stages in their running journey and get to find out a bit more about running. Who knows? Maybe one day, I'll be pounding grave...

Making new resolutions can be life changing...possibly...at the same time resolutions can fuel procrastination. Sounds cliche but it is said if you 'fail to plan; you plan to fail'. Plans are good and some people like 'markers' for achievement. Like to wear the badge of achieving something within a set time. I feel growth is fluid, yes make plans but possibly find a way to improve on those plans o...

Is there an itch to emigrate? Is it a rite of passage? Or is it caused by disillusionment? Being a homebody, as much as I love experiences....I need my creature comforts! My sister emigrated to Nigeria years ago...my brother did as well and now my niece is considering emigration...albeit for a year. She might absolutely love it! So many before her have thrived....I suppose it's all about the minds...

2024 has been an interestingly meandering year...ups...downs....sideways...like any other year really but pretty intense. Or maybe years seem more intense the older we get...hopefully wiser too. Here's wishing one and all a brilliant 2025!

It has been a rollercoaster year….with intermittent blogging…flailing at a weekly podcast. So now I’m taking stock by not beating myself up. Here’s to progression! Happy New Year people!

It can be a struggle juggling study, studio and a job. Especially when deadlines approach.

Struggling with managing study, day job and studio!!!! Got so much to do….studio always wins!!! Even though I really need to be swotting in a library!!!!

Did you know that the cauliflower ear is the mark of a warrior? It is said that in Roman antiquity statuettes of Hercules were depicted with a cauliflower ear.