A Year of Rediscovery.
In January 2023, I took a brave step by sharing a video about my decade-long hiatus from the world of art. In it I talked about the difficulties I had faced in my early 20’s trying to pursue a creative career and how it all came to a mentally scarring premature end. In that address I invited all of you to join me on a transformative journey as I rekindled my passion for creativity. Now, as we stand on the fresh ground of a new year, it's the perfect time to reflect on the incredible 12 months that have passed.
One of the most exhilarating aspects of the past year was the rediscovery of my creative mind. Despite the long hiatus, I was so thankful that my artistic instincts were still alive and well. I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, experimenting with different mediums and techniques. It was a process of reconnecting with my artistic roots and exploring the endless possibilities that lay ahead. I was amazed to see the advancements in the digital creative world, and with a lot of practice, it is now a new creative playground I love to explore.
Art has an incredible ability to bring people together, and over the past year, I've had the privilege of connecting with a multitude of wonderful individuals. Whether online or in person, these connections have blossomed into lasting friendships. The support and encouragement from this community have been instrumental in fueling my creative fire.
The joy of seeing my work appreciated by others has been a highlight of the past 12 months. From people who have chosen to decorate their homes with my creations to pieces gifted to friends, the realisation that my art resonates with people has been, at times dumbfounding, but immensely gratifying and humbling.
The Sketchy A.F. Podcast became a platform for engaging conversations with remarkable individuals. These discussions not only broadened my perspective but also allowed me to share my artistic journey with a wider audience. My conversation with the remarkable Sean Fitzgerald, one of the finest Irish artists around, was such a great experience for me as it really helped in shaping my creative vision from that moment onwards. I could have spoken to Sean for hours and am blessed to consider him a friend following our conversation that day. Although on a hiatus of sorts due to the overwhelming amount of time needed to book, record and edit it, it is something I don’t consider “dead and gone”, merely resting.
Additionally, I knew i wanted to use my art as a tool for positive change in the way that it has made such a positive change for me. As you can tell from my work, I am so inspired by my home here in Armagh. This city has given me so much and I was driven to give back. 2023 saw me create a Armagh themed Christmas Card, with all the money raised being donated to the Armagh Food Bank. I was overwhelmed by the positive response of people for the initiative and I plan to make this an annual event moving forward.
As I reflect on the past 12 months, I am filled with gratitude for the enriching experiences and the people who have been a part of this transformative journey. The support and encouragement received have been invaluable, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has played a role in this artistic reawakening.
Looking forward, there are exciting plans for the upcoming year. The journey continues, and I invite both familiar faces and new ones to join me on this artistic adventure. As we welcome the new year, I extend my best wishes to all, hoping that it brings joy, inspiration, and countless opportunities for creativity.
Go raibh maith agat agus slán.