During lockdown I found my creativity again after a 15 year hiatus, but seriously lacked confidence. As a key worker (in my employee job) I was still required to attend work, and I happened to show one of my colleagues called Juliet, a photo of a painting I was working on. She was super supportive and encouraged me to set up my own business as an Artist and followed my journey by commissioning a painting.
Fast forward approx 18 months and Juliet’s daughter saw an advert for a competition called ‘Moving Art’ for a local residents to submit artwork for a community arts exhibition (which had been paused during Covid). My Peacock Patterns painting was selected and became part of the show; it was lovely to meet the other selected Artists at the public events and PV, which really boosted my confidence as an Artist.
Having a love of textiles, I subsequently turned my Peacock painting into a repeat pattern which I transferred onto homewares and fabric.
My Mum then helped me to sew some of the products, and the peacock scarf became a bestseller! The kindness and encouragement shown by Juliet and her daughter brought me so much motivation to continue my journey; the peacock design and my collaboration with my Mum, also brought me many happy opportunities and memories.
This piece and associated kindness story is from Sarah Rawlins go and check out their other work and support small, independent artists.
This post is in collaboration with Art Can.
