Canvas & Cloth: an evening for the originals 

Oh what a night! Canvas & Cloth took place at Peel Fashion on Bloomfield Avenue last night. This was an idea I had some months back and I approached Peel Fashion in Belfast to see if they would collaborate on my first ever art exhibition.

Thankfully, Elaine, Jacquie and the team agreed and so a plan was hatched.

As it got closer to the night itself, I'll admit that the fear set in. What if no one liked my work? What if they felt it was too colourful? If it wasn't to their taste? And am I really good enough?

But I decided to push on. Face the fear. What's the worst that could happen? I love my art. I love it in my house. So if it's not for other people, that's okay too.

As the day drew closer, I worked hard to keep my emotions in check. A hectic work week helped and all of a sudden, it was showtime -  Thursday the 10th of April.

We had anticipated around 50 guests. Well, what a night. Over 80 people attended and it was so good to see so many familiar faces and meet so many new people. From my family and friends and really dear business associates, to customers of Peel and friends of the boutique. It was really quite incredible. This was a lively bunch of supportive females who were there to encourage, enjoy fashion and have a great evening in a glorious venue. I talked through my art journey and pieces on display, and guests enjoyed a styling masterclass from Elaine, the boutique's owner.

Somehow or other, after all of the anxiety, I was in my stride. Strangely enough, I actually have a painting that was on display called In Her Stride. And I was in my stride.

It was a super evening. I did a Q&A with Elaine. I wasn't nervous at all. It's my work. I can talk about it. I can talk about it authentically and honestly. And actually, from that one idea months ago, the night came together really well on a beautiful evening with so many wonderful people.

For me,iIt was a chance to explain how much joy painting brings to my life and the happiness that I hope my paintings bring to other people and to their homes. I received so much positive feedback, and that's really encouraging. It absolutely helps to keep motivation high and to keep on going with the boldness, the colours of the paintings and the pops of colour. 

The one really strong takeaway is that people enjoyed hearing the stories behind each piece. That's why I'll continue to make art for the originals. Art that has sentiment, energy and depth behind every piece that I create.

To those who attended, thank you, thank you, thank you. Your welcoming nature and positive energy radiated and has encouraged me to keep going. And to Elaine, Jacquie and the team at Peel, thank you for being so supportive and such a joy to work with.

So that's event one, Canvas & Cloth at Peel on Bloomfield Avenue in Belfast.
Now, what's next? Well, we'll see. I'll be back on the brushes very soon. 

Art by Riki  - for the Originals.

RN