THRIVE!

& give thanks!

First things first - The Elephant Rooms in Draycott is an absolute vibe and if you haven't been:
Go.
They offer so much and such a variety of things to get involved with, benefit from and be inspired by it astounds me.

I first popped in when I moved back to Derby and immediately was like - this is my vibe.

So when Sukhi spoke about hosting a sharing night I was a big YES!
This is me getting home afterwards - that suitcase and holder are full of my works having just been shown to everyone who attended.
​
​But the biggest smile is about all the amazing people I met whilst there.
I did some doodles during - it absolutely beat trying to doodle people on the bus.

Elephant Rooms

In answer to the question posed by the opening image:

Why does being seen matter?

Because it lights the fire in you to keep going. That people do want to hear and see and share and support - despite what your 4am thoughts would have you believe.
Importantly- The right people and the right crowd can do 1000% for your confidence. When the week spent alone or online feels like shouting into the void - you literally cannot beat meeting with other people and sharing and giving support. It can feel like a big step in a journey of your soul.

Snuggled into the scenery

We set up 8 paintings on show:

The Forest Collection:

- 'Bury a Friend'
- 'Pushing up Daisies' &
- 'Forget me Not'

Two from The Archway Series:

- 'Creation' &
- 'Morgaith'

The first I ever did:
- 'You'

- 'Dead Deer on the A45.'

and

​-'Blinded by Love.'

Mostly because that is what I could carry - but also, because I felt those held a more spiritual energy that would fit in with the vibe of The Elephant Rooms.

As I mentioned during the evening - my Originals For Sale Page is in the works.
It will be open in March.
Thank you for your patience.
To gain early access feel free to join my mailing list too!

Join the Snail Mail Crew

check your junk mail for the confirmation.

Pictured: Bury a Friend and Pushing up Daisies.

Pictured: Dead Deer, Morgaith and You.

Being invited to speak about the paintings was very nerve wracking! Probably because I didn't script myself for once - and I have branded myself as a rambler. Perhaps it is endearing. (Perhaps people were wondering if I would get to the point.) But regardless - you get what I am - unedited and pure vibes!

​I often let the paintings speak for themselves - offering a little guidance here and there about their inspiration or background. Sometimes a poem.
So going more into depth about a few felt raw but also exciting.

The conversations with people following this whose genuine intrigue flowed were wonderful. I'm so glad I got to meet so many likeminded and encouraging individuals.

I met some wonderful talented people too - who have a better way with words than I - either through song or poetry - or even no words at all - just music speaking.
I look forward to seeing you again immensely.

Art Prints

Sukhi's work:

Sukhi's Page

I have to mention Sukhi - in charge of bringing the creatives we met together.
Her art is pictured just above and a very poignant poem from her book below.
Thank you Sukhi!

Voice of an angel &

Fawn_Music · 9. Purpose (Recorded Live in a Chapel)

And a truly lovely rendition of Little Star
- as the audience sang along.

"Little star, little star - it's a wonder you are what you are".

The lights are dimmed.
A halo of light around the mic.
Bex is at her guitar and we are welcomed to Fawn Music.
Everyone's conversations trickle out as the softest but most powerful voice rings out.

Look I'm not going to do her justice - just have a listen - it'll make your day better...

I know I wasn't the only one who shed a tear and we travelled through her collection of songs.

I must also mention how truly lovely it was to hear the notes of the gentle hand pan played in combo.

Accompanied later by Lucas's beats in that cosy loft space.

It was a feast for the senses with food available for us all too by Rachael.

Fawn Music

... the words of an angel.

I wanted to share some phrases from Tanvir's poems that stuck with me and I'd doodled them down as he delivered his poems. I invite you to check out more of his work. It is so deeply moving.

"...free from the grammar of flesh"

"...we are like sandcastles waiting to be washed away"

Silent One's Page

Thank you to the Elephant Rooms social media team who's photos I have borrowed for here - I forgot to take many!

It was a transformative evening,
I always look forward to my return.