I graduated in 2006
with a degree in fine art, I spent almost 6 years volunteering as a board
member at an art gallery, was a studio artist, took part in exhibitions,
projects, commissions and residencies. I was totally immersed in my life as an
artist and I absolutely loved it. My artwork had meaning and it was thought
provoking, I was producing work about Alzheimer’s and was even invited to talk
about it at events. It was more than pretty pictures and far from the clichéd
watercolour painting of a fox.
Two years ago I got my
current job as an outdoor education instructor and gradually I’ve slipped away
from the art scene, I left the art gallery due to lack of time, I have a shed
studio now but I never go in and let my website lapse. I hadn’t quite realised
how far it had got until my boyfriend told me he struggled to describe what
kind of artwork I do to one of his friends.
This was a turning
point for me, it really shocked me and I immediately started work looking at
the limited artwork I had done over the last two years. It consisted of
drawings, some prints and some photographs. Putting together a new website
really helped me to feel better about my past and current artwork. See it here www.katiemayshipley.blogspot.co.uk
It has even sparked new ideas for artwork.
I’m nowhere near ready
to start applying for exhibitions and projects, but I have got a few things up
my sleeve…
