STUDIO DIARY 2026 - JANUARY

Its so easy to get swept up in the chaos of “be better” in January, spurred on by the words “new year”. The new year for me doesn’t start until spring, when life really does start to burst alive, for now I’m still wintering.I am uncertain about what 2026 will bring, but I have learned from past experiences that making declarations about what the year will hold is often futile. I have hopes and set myself goals, but many times, I've made such statements only to be disappointed when circumstances beyond my control render them irrelevant within the first few months. I anticipate this year will be challenging due to the personal situations involving those around me. However, this awareness might encourage me to be more open and mindful of how I use my energy.

Currently, studio processes are progressing slowly, providing an opportunity for reflection and allowing ideas to emerge and flow. I jot down these ideas; some I pursue immediately because I'm eager to try them, while others require more time to mature. This is a consistent process for me throughout the year, but during the winter months, the maturation of ideas happens more often. We are connected to nature and its rhythms, and for me, that means embracing the very seasonal UK and its winter. It's a time for slowing down, pausing, and observing. This year, more than ever, I've fully embraced this, truly observing my surroundings both physically and in life. I'm being open and honest in my practice, letting go of paintings by acknowledging when they aren't working. It's been like clearing a blockage, not by forcefully using the strongest tool, but through a slow, gradual, mindful approach.

This month I have removed a fair amount of paintings, and directed them to the bin. People often find it surprising when they learn about my approach to my practice. Their astonished reactions are common when I mention that I've taken a knife to a painting, rendering the canvas nonexistent, an ex-painting. I explain that the act of letting go is liberating in all aspects of life. I enjoy the challenges and struggles a painting presents, as they always teach me something new, but a crucial part of my practice is recognizing when to say “enough.” It's a part of life; letting go can be difficult, especially when so much energy has been invested, and it feels like wasted effort. However, holding on actually wastes more energy, while releasing at the right moment replenishes your energy and lifts the burden that was weighing you down. Reflecting on what you've let go of offers valuable lessons for the future. Occasionally, I do feel regret about destroying a painting, but I remind myself that it was the right decision at that time, and even from that regret, lessons are learned.

Nature is showing signs that growth is imminent, and each day as I walk down the garden path to the Studio, I'm pleasantly surprised by new green shoots, which fill me with hope. The natural world constantly reminds us of how we might live our lives—under the right conditions and with the right support, we can grow in the ways we desire or are meant to. This year, I want to embrace the word "growth"; it's a small but powerful word to reflect on and an inspiring one for exploration.