Scaling Up #1 is my first attempt at translating my detailed style into a larger composition. This experimental sketch taught me to embrace imperfections, overcome creative hurdles, and find unexpected freedom in the challenges of working on a new scale.

In this blog post, I reflect on the relationship between resentment and imagination, a topic we explored in a recent group session. Resentment, while technically involving a form of imagination, can block our creative processes by leaving no room for growth or positive creation. Through a free writing exercise on what blocks my imagination, I uncovered insights that continue to shape my artistic practice.

Inspired by feedback from a group critique, I’ve introduced stippling brushes into my process, creating soft, shadowy textures that enhance the dreamlike quality of the piece. The unexpected comparison of my work to a cathedral has deepened my perspective on the painting, as I continue refining this exciting exploration of scale, texture, and memory.

Participating in my first group critique session was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating as I shared my large-scale experimental piece for the first time. The feedback I received, from technical tips like using a stipple brush to deeper inspirations such as exploring Sohrab Sepehri’s work and Chinese Freehand brush techniques, left me with an unexpected burst of motivation. This experience marked a pivotal moment, moving me from guarded creation to confident exploration, and showed me that sharing my art amplifies its meaning rather than diminishes it.

In my recent sketches, I’ve begun exploring layered colour washes over my usual black ink - a new approach that brings depth and emotion to familiar landscapes. Working with hints of purple, blue, and pink, I’m experimenting with how colour and proportion can transform the mood of each piece, drawing out themes of cianalas and enhancing my connection to the natural world.

In my recent exploration of place attachment, a conversation with a friend introduced me to the Welsh word "hiraeth," which expresses a deep longing for home. This led me to discover its Scottish counterpart, "Cianalas," particularly poignant among the Islanders of the Outer Hebrides. This term encapsulates the emotional connections we form with places, shaped by personal histories and collective memories. As I delve into Cianalas, I aim to weave together the themes of place attachment and memory in my artwork, employing techniques such as layering and shadow to evoke the nuanced emotions tied to these significant locations. My practice will reflect how memories, much like shadows, can shift and change over time, creating a tapestry of experiences that shape our identities and sense of belonging.

Letting go of the idea that everything needs to be perfectly polished has been surprisingly liberating. Whether it’s in my art practice, where I’m starting to experiment with more freedom, or in submitting entries to this blog, I’m learning to embrace the raw, unrefined stages of creativity. I realised even my class notes - those initial sparks of thought - have value as they are, offering a true glimpse into the journey behind each piece. By sharing these unpolished moments, I hope to reflect the real process behind my work, revealing where ideas take root and evolve.

In revisiting a painting I had abandoned over a year ago, I found freedom in the absence of expectation. Through experimentation with ink washes and looser brushstrokes, I discovered new techniques that brought life and energy to "Duibhe," a piece inspired by the dramatic skies of the Scottish Highlands

As I continue to evolve in my artistic journey, I’ve started to notice patterns in the places I choose to paint. They are rarely random, often evoking a deep emotional connection for me — whether tied to a personal memory or simply a sense of belonging that I can’t quite put into words. This realisation has led me to start exploring different theories, like place attachment and genius loci, as tools to better understand my work and, potentially, to guide where I go next.