Art, Grit, and Black Tie: Shortlisted for the Rise Emerging Artist Prize

One minute I'm in Studio, covered in paint trying to persuade a wood panel to cooperate. The next I'm in an evening dress at the Henley Festival, having conversations over champagne after being shortlisted for the Rise Emerging Artist Prize.

And I love the contrast!

Most of the work happens alone, behind a closed studio door, in rags. Then, every so often, you emerge in dress, heels and full make-up into a room full of artists, curators, collectors and gallery people, all brought together by a shared interest in art.

These evenings matter. The black tie, the fizz, the interesting conversations, new connections  and because they remind you that the work eventually leaves the studio and starts a life of its own.

Now it's back to studio.

The panel I abandoned before Henley is still waiting. Fortunately, it doesn't care about shortlists.