Emerging Artist ...

A collage of works to be exhibited © Vicki Lee Johnston

The last few years have been a mixed bag of sorts but at the end of the day if you follow a path you're passionate about and work really hard at it - eventually you start to see rewards.  

© Vicki Lee Johnston

 Being a student on the Society of Botanical Artists DLDC has taught me to be patient - either waiting for results, waiting for the right subject or even waiting for washes to be at just that right stage to work with.  There was a lot of frustration in the first year trying to learn more - and it was really up to me to do the study, trial different techniques and work to a fixed timetable.  Once my final diploma portfolio of artworks was sent off I did feel like I had somehow experienced a metamorphosis - I am now more relaxed and patient and I do realise if you put the time and effort in it will pay off.  For now I was happy to say I had achieved a huge goal simply by completing the course alongside work and family commitments. 

© Vicki Lee Johnston

 I was just stopping to take a breath while I waited to hear final results,  catching up on household and work commitments.   Also looking forward to the planning of attending Graduation in London, which made for a nice change from the stress of deadlines.   Just as things had settled down I received a lovely email from the Director of a beautiful gallery  - who mentioned that I had been identified as an 'emerging artist' and invited me to take part in their exhibition launching new artists. 

© Vicki Lee Johnston

 With everything coming up I couldn't see how I could manage it but the exhibition tucks nicely in between completion of the course and travelling to London.  The only thing was that I needed to stretch the  chosen artworks, deliver them to the local framer and have them ready for hand in which is next week!   I will be exhibiting alongside acrylic works,  textiles, glass and sculptural pieces - the photos here are small snapshots of the artworks chosen  to be included in the exhibition.

A lot of my artworks were unavailable to be selected and my final diploma works are currently in London.

© Vicki Lee Johnston

It all fell into place - now I am looking forward to participating in this wonderful opportunity as an invited artist.    This means there are no gallery hire costs and the only expense to me is framing - and of course commission when paintings are sold.  I have had previous artwork exhibited at the London  Exhibition, all taken care of by the SBA  - but this time it's up to me to get it to hanging stage and see firsthand the workings of an exhibition from empty gallery to opening night.  

I look forward to the whole process and will keep you posted...

© Vicki Lee Johnston

"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty"

Maya Angelou

All images Copyright © Vicki Lee Johnston