Oh gosh, hasn’t 2024 zoomed by. For me, it’s been a year of saying ‘Yes’ to everything and seeing what worked. This was a good tactic to try, however looking back, I do feel I over committed on shows. This lead to my creativity going down and painting less. I aim to find a better balance for next year.
There were a few stand out moments for 2024. I joined the Sussex Arts Collective and started displaying my work at Gallery UNO in Seaford. It’s been great to meet more local artists and have my work in the gallery.
In October I organised a weekend Fluid Art Retreat in Dorset with fellow artist, Julie Vatcher. I was blown away with how well our the retreat went. The feedback we had was truly wonderful, definitely making all the hard work worthwhile. We were so lucky to have a great group of people attend, making the weekend feel really special. There were lots of laughs, connections and creativity. Plans are in the making for next years event. If you would like to register your interest, please follow this link: Register your interest for 2025 event
In November I took on sole responsibility for ‘criSam Acrylic Pouring’. criSam was started in 2019 with my good friend, Samantha Butcher. We had great fun running acrylic pouring taster sessions over the years. Samantha decided to concentrate on her painting and stepped down in Nov. I will continue running criSam and all the courses are listed on the criSam website and my website. I offer taster sessions for people who just want to try acrylic pouring to full day 1:1 courses where you can create a landscape painting. I also sell gift vouchers for all the courses which are valid for a year.
Onwards and upwards
So looking towards 2025, I do have a few plans already in place. The big one is a show in May at the Crypt Gallery in Seaford. Along with 3 other artist/makers, we will have a week long exhibition called “Fire, Form and Frame”. So over the next 5 months, I will be getting a substantial new body of work together. I’m finding this all very exciting. It does feel like ages since I’ve been this fired up and hopefully my creativity will flow.
I recently read a scary statistic that world wide art sales were down by 30% over the year. This is totally understandable due to the economic climate. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that 2025 will pick up for everybody.
I do hope you have a fantastic Christmas and New Year.
cheers
Chris x
You truly are not just a fabulous artist but a huge inspiration. You and Sam are who inspired me to start painting and creating. I hope I get to one of the retreats in the future. Good luck for nxt year Chris and hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Andi x