Thoughts on progress and some great news

I remember talking with an old friend when I was beating myself up about my work not being where i wanted it to be. I think I had maybe just graduated, so getting on for 12 years ago now. She said something that has stuck with me ever since. Its is something simple and obvious like all the best advice/ideas. I had just never thought about progress in this way.

She talked about personal development. How we move things forward as a human being hopefully trying to be better all the time. We have periods in our lives when we focus on some elements more than others. Sometimes we concentrate on our intellect more either because we are studying or just because that is our interest. At other time we think about our physical selves maybe a fitness drive or a diet. At other times we consider our spiritual selves. You can add categories here. Financial is another to consider. It is I guess an aim to be a well-rounded individual if possible or at least be ok in more than one area.

The revelation for me was to recognise that you it is probably asking of yourself too much to expect to do it all at once. What is more I dont have to. As progress is made with one area inevitably we neglect another. The drive to shift focus will no doubt come in time. This simple thought gave me permission to feel ok about not doing what I could do. It even gave me a thought that removed some anxiety about my progress both as an artist and a human being.

I share this because I feel that with the opening of my one man show at BPN I have brought a period of particular focus to a close. For many years I focused on content with little investment of time or money in presentation, consistency and professionalism . My experience with Debut Contemporary pushed me to face some of those weak areas and through the support of my nearest and dearest I made significant progress. Seeing my new work properly framed for example proved that I could make a quality product. I guess a consistent unit.  The benefits go beyond just that though and have positively affected my self belief and confidence.

I also now have a system, a practice that i can develop and evolve but will give me the chance to make works that will feel like Dean Melbournes. With a focus on more commercial elements of my practise my consideration of content, although not forgotten, was less intense. I am now really excited to shift the focus back and see what results.

I dont think it is a coincidence that this week saw a significant development in The Fall Of The Majestic Elk project. One of the visitor to my private view was the young talented curator and writer Anneka french. I previously worked with Anneka at Wolverhampton Art Gallery while she was Curatorial Assistant. Chantal and I were really interested in bringing a third party into the project to direct, curate, manage aspects and most importantly to give a fresh opinion. After a fabulous meeting this week I am really happy to say that Anneka will be that third person.

Already this has signalled a great change in my thoughts about the work I want to produce as Anneka has rekindled my desire to push my thinking beyond the obvious and take more risks with my work.

Our exhibition in november and W.A.G will be our first outing as a three and the first of many I hope.

to read some of Anneka’s reviews go to this link and here for details of our show