RBSA PORTRAIT EXHIBITION.
What makes a ‘good’ portrait? Every face is different and how we view those faces is so subjective. But, a ‘good’ portrait has to make a connection in some way, and allow you to feel something. This isn’t always an easy thing to do. That’s why, I’m super excited to share some fantastic news, which you might have already seen on my social media – one of my portraits made it into the RBSA Portrait Exhibition 2024 and is currently on show at the gallery. This is such a cool honour, and I couldn't be happier, especially as I wasn’t even sure I was going to enter anything.
WHAT TO ENTER?
I was genuinely lost about WHAT to enter. As I’ve said, portraits are so subjective. But, after some deliberation, I decided on this set of images of, model Shaleema Burroughs, that were created by myself and, incredible make-up artist, Gaby Hunt, a while back. It was then up to the judges to decide if any of the shots made that connection with them.
ELEMENTS.
Luckily one of the shots must’ve resonated with the judges in some way, and they selected the piece below, Elements. To be honest, this is all the work of Shaleema and her strong, statuesque and proud pose and Gaby, and her intricate use of the ‘powder’ (I’m going to be honest I’ve got no idea what it was. Some clever make-up stuff that Gaby will be able to tell you about I’m sure) to get the final shot. I felt like I was just in the right place at the right time.
ELEMENTS.
EXHIBITING AT THE RBSA!
This is the fourth time that my work has been on show at the RBSA, and yet another incredible experience on my artistic journey. Each exhibition has not only provided a platform to showcase my evolving work but also significantly boosted my confidence as an artist. The positive feedback and recognition from both the public and fellow artists have been invaluable, affirming my creative vision and encouraging me to push my boundaries more. The experiences of each one have allowed me to see what ‘sometimes’ resonates with judges, as well as explore new concepts and different styles of work, from photography to collage. Furthermore, the chance to exhibit alongside and talk about my work, and of course, Creative Nowhere Land, with fellow creatives and art lovers is always something to be enjoyed.
Here are some of the links to the other times that my work has been oon show at the RBSA:
FINDING MY ARTISTIC STYLE.
Finding my artistic style is a journey, and exhibiting my work is an essential part of that process, and one I want to do much more of. It allows me to see firsthand which pieces resonate with viewers and what emotions they evoke. Each exhibition, I’m lucky enough to be a part of, provides valuable feedback and helps me understand how others connect with my work, even though the experience is inherently subjective.
While I strive to create work that makes a meaningful connection, it's fascinating to see the varied responses from different people and judges. This subjectivity is what makes art so compelling and keeps me motivated to continue exploring and refining my craft. Whether my work strikes a chord or simply sparks a conversation, every exhibition is a step forward in my artistic evolution.
Thank you for following along on this journey, and I look forward to sharing more with you soon. Until next time…